Packaging Operations Manager Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Position Summary

Topco Associates is seeking a Sr. Packaging Operations Specialist to join our Brand Management & Packaging Operations team in Itasca, IL. This hybrid position is based in our Itasca office three days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week.

Topco's Brand Management & Packaging Operations team helps shape and manage the identity of Topco's Own Brands, overseeing packaging development and execution across a diverse portfolio of products. The team partners with Category Management, Sourcing, suppliers, creative agencies, and other internal stakeholders to ensure packaging effectively represents our brands while supporting business objectives and member needs.

The Sr. Packaging Operations Specialist plays a key role in coordinating the execution of packaging projects from initial intake through completion. This position manages project information and timelines, coordinates with internal and external partners, tracks costs and deliverables, and helps ensure packaging projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

Success in this role requires strong project management and organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to build productive relationships across a variety of teams. The ideal candidate is energized by working with brands, consumers, and creative projects and enjoys bringing structure and organization to complex, deadline-driven work.

About Topco

Topco's mission is to deliver sourcing, procurement, and business solutions that help our member-owners achieve a competitive advantage. We partner with regional retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice organizations across the country to provide programs and services that create long-term value.

We believe diverse perspectives drive stronger ideas, better decisions, and greater innovation. We're committed to building collaborative teams where employees can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact for our members.

Packaging Project Management

• Initiate packaging projects and ensure project information, creative assets, and required approvals are complete and accurate.
• Manage project timelines, key milestones, deliverables, and workflow activities across multiple concurrent packaging initiatives.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, creative agencies, suppliers, and other external partners to initiate projects and address any questions regarding timing, cost, or quality.
• Maintain accurate project information within packaging workflow and project management systems.
• Support packaging operations and project-related follow-up with internal and external partners as needed.

Brand & Packaging Support

• Support the execution of packaging for Topco Own Brands while ensuring projects align with established brand identity, packaging standards, and business objectives.
• Coordinate materials and information for internal packaging reviews with Brand Management, creative agency partners, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Capture, organize, and track feedback and action items from packaging reviews to ensure timely follow-through.
• Partner with Brand Management and other stakeholders to ensure packaging projects are executed consistently and effectively across the portfolio.

Cost Management & Reporting

• Use established packaging design pricing guidelines to develop estimated and actual project costs for Category Management and Sourcing teams.
• Serve as a resource for internal teams and suppliers regarding packaging project costs and related questions.
• Develop and distribute recurring packaging reports to appropriate cross-functional teams.
• Analyze project and operational data to identify issues, trends, exceptions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate project and packaging information to support effective reporting and decision-making.

Member & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support the development and execution of Topco Own Brand product concept surveys distributed to member-owners throughout the year.
• Partner with Category Management and Insights teams to coordinate survey activities and support new product innovation initiatives.
• Manage survey timelines, deliverables, and workflow activities while ensuring information is accurate and completed according to established schedules.
• Build strong working relationships with Brand Management, Category Management, Sourcing, Insights, suppliers, creative agencies, and other internal and external partners.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with stakeholders to ensure expectations, responsibilities, and deadlines are understood.

Data & Process Management

• Ensure packaging project files and supporting information are organized and maintained according to established naming, data management, and retention standards.
• Maintain accurate and complete information within workflow and file management systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging operations, project workflows, and processes.
• Support the development and implementation of process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and visibility across packaging projects.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Previous Experience:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), packaging, marketing operations, project management, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience managing detailed, time-sensitive projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends or exceptions, and communicate meaningful insights.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with workflow, project management, or database systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in packaging operations, brand management, marketing, or creative project management.
• Experience working in retail, grocery, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related industry.
• Experience initiating projects involving creative agencies, suppliers, or other external partners.
• Experience with reporting, data analysis, or project tracking tools.
• Strong interest in brands, consumers, packaging, and marketing.

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper's communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered