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Packaging Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

tms

Manager Packaging Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

High impact, real ownership - You'll lead packaging development initiatives that directly influence product performance, sustainability, and customer experience across North America and Europe.

tms

Manager Packaging Development

Chicago, IL

High impact, real ownership - You'll lead packaging development initiatives that directly influence product performance, sustainability, and customer experience across North America and Europe.

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 ...

PCI Pharma Services

Packaging Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

Utilizing design software, practical packaging development knowledge and hands-on assembly skills, Package Designer II would create and prepare design solutions for PCI clients to support commercial ...

PCI Pharma Services

Packaging Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

Utilizing design software, practical packaging development knowledge and hands-on assembly skills, Package Designer II would create and prepare design solutions for PCI clients to support commercial ...

PCI Pharma Services

Packaging Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

Utilizing design software, practical packaging development knowledge and hands-on assembly skills, Package Designer II would create and prepare design solutions for PCI clients to support commercial ...

Silgan

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Career development and advancement opportunities within a Fortune 500 organization What You'll Do as the Packaging Engineer: * Collaborate with Research & Development, Engineering, Sales ...

Silgancontainers

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

Career development and advancement opportunities within a Fortune 500 organization What You'll Do as the Packaging Engineer: * Collaborate with Research & Development, Engineering, Sales ...

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Packaging Development information

What is a packaging development?

A Packaging Development job involves designing, testing, and improving packaging solutions to ensure product protection, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Professionals in this role collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain, to create packaging that aligns with brand identity and sustainability goals. They also evaluate materials, comply with regulatory requirements, and optimize packaging for production efficiency and customer experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a packaging development role?

In a Packaging Development role, your day-to-day activities often include designing packaging concepts, conducting materials testing, collaborating with suppliers, and working closely with manufacturing and marketing teams to ensure packaging solutions meet functional and branding requirements. You may also be involved in troubleshooting packaging-related issues on production lines and conducting cost and sustainability analyses. Additionally, it's common to manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay updated on industry trends and regulations. This diverse set of responsibilities ensures variety in your work and opportunities to build expertise across several facets of packaging and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the packaging development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Packaging Development, you need a solid understanding of packaging materials, engineering principles, and product design, often supported by a degree in packaging engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with design software (such as CAD), testing equipment, and sometimes certifications like ISTA are commonly required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive collaboration and innovation in cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for creating functional, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory and client specifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Development jobs in Illinois? For Packaging Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Development jobs in Illinois are:
Packaging Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Manager Packaging Development

tms

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With more than 1,400 employees across 28 countries., we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
  • High impact, real ownership - You'll lead packaging development initiatives that directly influence product performance, sustainability, and customer experience across North America and Europe.
  • Work at the intersection of strategy and execution - This role blends technical expertise with cross-functional leadership, giving you visibility into business decisions while staying hands-on in development.
  • Collaborative, global environment - You'll partner closely with teams across regions, functions, and suppliers, making your work dynamic, diverse, and highly visible.
  • Opportunities to innovate - From material optimization to new packaging concepts, you'll have the freedom to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful improvements.
  • Career growth and leadership exposure - You'll build leadership capability, influence key stakeholders, and play a critical role in shaping future product development direction.
  • Fast-paced, problem-solving culture - If you enjoy tackling complex challenges and seeing ideas come to life quickly, this environment will keep you engaged and energized.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION
  • Identify and drive new to market strategic technology platforms, managing through ambiguity to build technical points of view to align recommendations, working both independently and indirectly through others.
  • Independently lead packaging development initiatives in-line with the needs and expectations identified by tms managers and customers. Identify innovative solutions with attention toward benefit, sustainability, risk, and cost.
  • Build and present business cases for packaging programs supported by financial assessments, technical feasibility, customer benefit impact analysis, and risk assessments.
  • Acting technology leader in the field of fiber-based packaging technology OR thermoformed plastics, aligning strategic direction with suppliers, managing and maintaining technical networks, coordinating new technology immersions, and providing mentoring support to tms engineers.
  • Advise and collaborate with tms leaders, strategic suppliers, customer stakeholders, and gatekeepers to build alignment against strategic initiatives.
  • Proactively drive future consumer and market needs, structuring planned technology evolution and changes through collaboratively developed detailed roadmaps and pipelines.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of critical consumer and operational issues as well as key packaging technologies relevant to tms customers' packaging.
  • Continue to expand your technology skillset through developing technical depth while continuing to work with a breadth of materials and processes.
  • Build your business and leadership skillsets through developing business knowledge and awareness while working toward developing leadership skills to further progress the organization.
  • Demonstrate technology leadership by managing supplier technical relationships, coordinating new technology immersions, and providing mentoring support to tms engineers.
  • Assist with department continuous improvement, identifying and driving opportunity for departmental changes which enable speed to market, innovation, and growth through improvements to training, technology transfer, and process.
  • Active membership representative in strategic consortiums and networking organizations, influencing market changes in positive alignment with customer objectives, maintaining a pulse on the evolution of technology, and leveraging relationships and insights to drive strategic packaging initiatives within tms and our customers.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate packaging specifications within the designated specification system.
  • Display thought leadership with conviction and ability to take managed risks, and demonstrate aptitude for innovation, inspiring others to align against a strategic vision.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE
  • 12+ years of relevant experience in packaging development & engineering
  • Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering (packaging, material science, paper science, chemical, or mechanical, polymer science preferred)
  • Experience in the foodservice, food, consumer goods, or packaging material supply industries
  • Analytical approach to problem-solving and decision making
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Customer relationship management experience
  • Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
  • Strong organization and project management skills

Starting salary between $110,000-$125,000
TOTAL REWARDS
Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work-life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:
  • Our commitment to rewarding results
  • Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers'-and our company's-success

There's more ...
Generous medical, dental, vision and other great benefits
Paid parental and medical leave programs
401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing
15 days of paid time off plus company holidays
Hybrid work model
Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance
Inclusive employee resource groups
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third-party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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