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Packaging Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ferrara

Manager, Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Packaging Manager is responsible for leading and developing a team of Packaging Engineers while driving the design, development, and commercialization of packaging solutions across Ferrara ...

Nastech Global

Packaging Engineer

Fort Washington, PA · On-site

Roles & Responsibilities o Plan and execute package engineering assignments concerned with large life cycle management initiatives. o Engage in the development of the material and structural aspects ...

7-ELEVEN

Product Development Manager, Beverages

Irving, TX

$109K - $137K/yr

Product Development Manager will help support the development of new products and packaging for the business unit. Will cultivate consumer insights, market data and trends that help their business ...

7-Eleven

Product Development Manager, Beverages

Irving, TX · On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

Product Development Manager will help support the development of new products and packaging for the business unit. Will cultivate consumer insights, market data and trends that help their business ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Sr Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development, Philadelphia Job Purpose The Sr Packaging Scientist will ... Manage multiple assignments/ projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a ...

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do packaging development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development manager in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a packaging development manager do?

A Packaging Development Manager oversees the design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions for products. They collaborate with product development, marketing, and manufacturing teams to create packaging that is functional, cost-effective, sustainable, and aligns with brand standards. Their responsibilities also include managing timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and staying updated on packaging trends and materials. By optimizing packaging processes, they help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

Is packaging a stable career?

Packaging development managers work in a stable industry as packaging is essential for product protection and branding across many sectors. The demand for skilled professionals in packaging design, materials, and sustainability continues to grow, supporting long-term career stability. Relevant skills include knowledge of materials, design software, and industry regulations, which can enhance job security.

Is being a packaging development manager a stressful job?

Packaging development managers often face pressure to meet project deadlines, control costs, and ensure product safety and quality. The role can involve managing cross-functional teams and handling tight schedules, which may contribute to work-related stress. However, stress levels vary depending on company culture and individual workload management skills.

What are some common challenges faced by packaging development managers during the product launch process?

Packaging Development Managers often encounter challenges related to balancing innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability while meeting tight launch timelines. Coordinating cross-functional teams—including marketing, procurement, and manufacturing—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, ensuring packaging designs comply with regulatory standards and can be efficiently scaled for mass production is a frequent hurdle. The role also demands agility to troubleshoot unexpected supply chain or material availability issues that can arise close to launch dates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Development Manager, you need expertise in packaging materials, design, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in packaging science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing protocols, and knowledge of industry regulations such as FDA or ISO standards are typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive innovation and collaboration across teams. These skills ensure packaging solutions are cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant, which is vital for product protection and brand success.

What is the difference between Packaging Development Manager vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging Development ManagerPackaging Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; certifications like CPP or PMP are common
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with suppliers and R&D departmentsDesigns, tests, and develops packaging solutions; works closely with manufacturing and quality teams
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, consumer goods, and logistics companies for overseeing packaging projectsCommonly employed in product development, quality assurance, and technical roles within packaging departments

The Packaging Development Manager focuses on leading packaging projects and managing teams, while the Packaging Engineer concentrates on designing and testing packaging solutions. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and work closely within the packaging industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Packaging Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Packaging Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Packaging Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs? The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs are:
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Packaging Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Development Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Senior Packaging Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Job Description
About the Role
As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will support the development and implementation of packaging solutions for Elanco's global product development pipeline. This role is focused on development-stage products across pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine portfolios, with regular collaboration across global teams in the U.S. and Europe.
You will own packaging development activities for assigned projects, working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory partners to define, evaluate, and implement appropriate packaging solutions from early development through registration and commercial readiness. This role is well suited for a packaging engineer who enjoys hands-on project ownership, technical problem solving, and working in a regulated development environment.
Your Responsibilities
  • Own packaging development activities for assigned projects, defining and implementing appropriate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions from early development through commercialization.
  • Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert on cross-functional project teams, with exposure to sterile and non-sterile packaging systems.
  • Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate technical feasibility, processability, and transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.
  • Plan, execute, and interpret packaging tests and machine trials, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and support documentation and registration activities.
  • Author packaging registration documents and interact with the registration team as appropriate.
  • Evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers to support compliant and efficient development solutions.
  • Ensure packaging activities align with internal standards, external guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate effectively with global teams and external partners to support development timelines.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)
  • Master's degree in Packaging Technology or a related discipline, or a bachelor's with 5 plus years of relevant/equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical drug product development.
  • Experience with packaging in a regulated environment.
  • Strong knowledge of packaging materials, packaging development activities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with GMP principles and regulated development environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional and global teams.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs.
  • Experience working with sterile manufacturing environments and container closure integrity (CCI) concepts.
  • Prior experience authoring or supporting regulatory submissions related to packaging.
  • Ability to manage multiple development projects in a global, cross-functional environment.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and ability to learn in a dynamic development setting.

Additional Information
• Travel: 10-20% annually • Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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