Senior Packaging Design Manager

Package Design Manager

Salary Range: $100,000 – $140,000 Annually + 10% Bonus Eligibility
Reports To: VP, Supply Chain & Administration
Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday–Friday; on-call availability as needed.
Travel: 5–15% (vendor visits and industry events).

Position Overview

The Packaging Design Manager will lead all packaging design, development, and finished goods setup initiatives. This role ensures that all packaging solutions meet the highest standards of functionality, compliance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in packaging, engineering or materials science, along with proven leadership experience managing cross-functional projects within a food or beverage manufacturing environment.


This position oversees two Packaging Coordinators and collaborates closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Procurement to bring innovative and reliable packaging solutions to market.

Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Innovation

• Lead the design, development, validation, and optimization of new and existing packaging systems across multiple product lines, including dairy, plant-based, and protein beverages.
• Drive packaging innovation initiatives that enhance product protection, shelf life, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain to align packaging performance with product and process requirements.
• Evaluate and implement new materials, technologies, and suppliers that improve functionality and reduce environmental impact.

Finished Goods Setup & Documentation

• Oversee finished goods setup, validation, and formal release processes to ensure all products meet quality, regulatory, and customer specifications.

• Maintain detailed packaging specifications, drawings, and compliance documentation (FDA, ISO, ISTA, ASTM).

• Approve packaging proofs, die lines, and prototypes for accuracy, branding, and compliance.

• Manage timelines and deliverables for all packaging development projects from concept to commercialization.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement to source and qualify new packaging vendors and materials.

• Build and maintain relationships with external suppliers and equipment manufacturers.

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for packaging-related issues throughout the supply chain.

• Work closely with Quality Assurance to ensure packaging materials meet all safety and performance standards.

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Supervise and develop two Packaging Coordinators, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

• Establish KPIs for packaging performance (output, waste, non-conformance) and lead corrective action initiatives.

• Standardize procedures, testing protocols, and reporting to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Lead continuous improvement projects aimed at optimizing packaging design, sustainability, and material costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Technology, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• 5+ years of packaging design and development experience within food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing.

• 3+ years of leadership experience managing packaging or technical teams.

• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, corrugate, flexible films) and manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement
MOHR Talent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.
If you have questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity compliance, please contact our Human Resources department.