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Packaging Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

FINISHING SUPERVISOR

Ames, IA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... Packaging Group, LLC Company, is proud to be one of North America's premier flexographic and ... Production Management * Supervise daily finishing operations to ensure production schedules are met ...

FINISHING SUPERVISOR

Ames, IA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... Packaging Group, LLC Company, is proud to be one of North America's premier flexographic and ... Production Management * Supervise daily finishing operations to ensure production schedules are met ...

Shift Manager

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Sheldon, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Spencer, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Shift Manager

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

IA · On-site

$19.32 - $24.51/hr

Package product to required specifications Place sleeves in cartons or snakewrap on pallet as ... with management to improve work area, safety, quality, cost, and productivity Additional ...

New

IA · On-site

$19.32 - $24.51/hr

Package product to required specifications Place sleeves in cartons or snakewrap on pallet as ... with management to improve work area, safety, quality, cost, and productivity Additional ...

New

Department Manager

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$18 - $20.25/hr

Highly Competitive Medical/Dental/Eye/Life Insurance Packages* * Management training program * Discounts to Every day essentials, movies, electronics and restaurants * Discounts on phone plans

Showing results 41-60

Packaging Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$82.3K

$133.8K

How much do packaging manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging manager in Iowa is $82,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by packaging managers, and how can they be addressed?

Packaging Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining quality standards while optimizing costs, managing supply chain disruptions, and meeting sustainability goals. To address these, they collaborate closely with procurement, production, and design teams to ensure materials meet both budget and quality requirements. Staying updated on industry trends and adopting new packaging technologies can also help mitigate these challenges. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What skills do you need for packaging manager?

A packaging manager needs strong organizational and leadership skills to oversee packaging operations effectively. They should have knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control, along with proficiency in using industry software and tools. Good communication and problem-solving abilities are also essential for coordinating teams and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Is packaging a stable career?

Packaging managers oversee the design, production, and quality control of packaging processes, which are essential in many industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. The demand for packaging professionals tends to be stable due to ongoing industry needs and the importance of packaging in product safety and branding. Job stability can also depend on industry trends, technological advancements, and the ability to adapt to new packaging materials and regulations.

What is a packaging manager?

As a packaging manager, your job is to supervise packaging operations during your shift. You typically work in a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Your duties include ensuring that the proper packaging materials and products are available, that the equipment gets regular maintenance, and that you maintain an efficient schedule established by your supervisors. Your responsibilities are also to help hire and train new workers on your shift, contribute to budgets and performance reports, and maintain a proper supply of inventory at the facility. You also collaborate with QA workers to ensure there are no issues with packaging.

What does a packaging manager do?

A Packaging Manager oversees the design, development, and implementation of packaging processes for products within a company. They ensure that packaging meets safety, quality, and regulatory standards while optimizing for cost and efficiency. Their responsibilities often include managing a team, coordinating with suppliers, and collaborating with other departments such as production, logistics, and marketing. Packaging Managers play a crucial role in protecting products during transit and enhancing their visual appeal to consumers.

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

To thrive as a Packaging Manager, you need expertise in packaging design, materials science, supply chain management, and often a related bachelor's degree. Familiarity with packaging machinery, CAD software, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as ISTA or Six Sigma is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient, cost-effective, and compliant packaging operations that meet quality and safety standards.

What is the difference between Packaging Manager vs Packaging Supervisor?

AspectPackaging ManagerPackaging Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire packaging operations, manages teams, develops strategies, and ensures quality standards.Supervises daily packaging activities, directs staff, and ensures production targets are met.
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in manufacturing, logistics, or related field; experience in packaging roles.High school diploma or equivalent; experience in packaging or manufacturing preferred.
Work EnvironmentOffice setting with production floor oversight; leadership role.Primarily on the production floor supervising staff and processes.
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain companies.Used in similar industries, often as a frontline supervisory role.

The Packaging Manager focuses on strategic oversight and management of packaging operations, while the Packaging Supervisor handles daily supervision and direct team oversight. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and logistics environments, with the manager having broader responsibilities and the supervisor focusing on immediate production tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Packaging jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Manager jobs in Iowa? For Packaging Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Packaging Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Packaging Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Packaging Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,345 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Director - Packaging/Labeling and Warehouse

Elanco

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


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!

Your Role: Director - Site Warehouse & Packaging Operations

As the Director - Site Warehouse & Packaging Operations, you will lead the Warehouse, Label Control, and Packaging organizations at Elanco's Fort Dodge manufacturing site, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of materials and finished products. In this role, you will drive strategic initiatives to optimize warehouse and packaging operations, support continuous improvement and automation, and partner cross-functionally to deliver reliable supply while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Your Responsibilities:
  • Lead all warehouse, packaging, and label control operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient management of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods in accordance with cGMP, EHSS, and company standards.
  • Develop and execute strategic initiatives focused on process optimization, automation, inventory accuracy, and continuous improvement to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance.
  • Provide leadership for capital and operating budgets, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to support production schedules, new product launches, inspections, recalls, and inventory management.
  • Ensure regulatory inspection readiness, oversee quality systems and SOP compliance, investigate operational issues, and drive corrective actions to achieve Right First Time (RFT), inventory accuracy, and customer service objectives.
What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience; OR 12 years of experience within a GMP biological vaccine production environment.
  • Experience: Minimum of 4 years of leadership experience managing warehouse, packaging, manufacturing, or supply chain operations in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Top Skills: Strong leadership and operational management skills combined with expertise in GMP manufacturing, ERP/SAP systems, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Experience leading warehouse, packaging, inventory control, or manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccine, or life sciences industry.
  • Demonstrated success implementing automation, Business Process Excellence (BPE), Lean, or continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems, inventory management, and automated manufacturing processes.
  • Experience leading regulatory inspections and ensuring compliance with GMP, EHSS, and Quality Assurance standards.
  • Proven ability to lead large teams, manage capital and operating budgets, develop talent, and drive operational performance across a complex manufacturing organization.

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 jobrelated 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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