Packaging Development & Engineering Manager

Chapman’s Ice Cream; Markdale; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Group health insurance

On-site cafeteria

Free ice cream

State-of-the-art facility

Job summary

Chapman’s Ice Cream is seeking an experienced Packaging Development & Engineering Manager to lead technical development, commercialization, and continuous improvement of packaging across our product portfolio.

You will oversee packaging engineering, materials, and manufacturing integration to optimize quality, cost, and sustainability while collaborating with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a technical discipline related to packaging.
• 5+ years in packaging development or packaging engineering.
• Experience leading projects from concept to commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials and sustainability.
• Experience with packaging trials, validation, and scale‑up.
• Familiarity with packaging regulations and labeling.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development, qualification, and commercialization of packaging solutions.
• Manage packaging projects from concept through manufacturing implementation, validation, and market launch.
• Develop packaging specifications, standards, testing protocols, and technical documentation.
• Evaluate materials, structures, components, and technologies for performance and cost.
• Conduct packaging trials, line testing, validation studies, and scale‑up activities.
• Collaborate with suppliers, converters, and packaging manufacturers on solutions.
• Analyze packaging performance and resolve issues affecting manufacturing.
• Support operations with troubleshooting, corrective actions, and process improvements.
• Ensure packaging designs are optimized for equipment and supply chain.
• Drive standardization, material optimization, and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and labeling requirements.
• Establish and maintain packaging validation programs and tests.
• Support QA investigations and CAPA related to packaging.
• Collaborate cross-functionally during product development and artwork approvals.
• Provide technical recommendations on packaging technologies and sustainability.
• Manage departmental priorities, budgets, KPIs, and timelines.
• Lead and develop team members and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Sustainability

Root cause analysis

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Supply chain awareness

Materials science

Problem solving

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Packaging Technology

Tools

CAD software

Measurement & testing equipment

ERP systems

Job description

Title: Packaging Development & Engineering Manager

Department: Strategic Planning

Reports To: Director, Strategic Planning and Implementation

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Packaging Development & Engineering Manager to lead technical development, commercialization, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions across our product portfolio.
This role is responsible for the engineering, performance, and implementation of packaging systems that support product quality, manufacturing efficiency, supply chain performance, sustainability objectives, and cost optimization. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and external suppliers, the successful candidate will lead packaging initiatives from concept through commercialization and production launch.
This is a highly technical role focused on packaging engineering, materials, manufacturing integration, validation, and continuous improvement. While supporting packaging artwork execution and changing management activities, the primary focus is the development and implementation of packaging solutions that perform reliably throughout manufacturing, distribution, retail, and consumer use.

Key Responsibilities:

Packaging Development & Commercialization

• Lead the technical development, qualification, and commercialization of packaging solutions for new and existing products
• Manage packaging projects from concept through manufacturing implementation, validation, and market launch
• Develop packaging specifications, standards, testing protocols, and technical documentation
• Evaluate packaging materials, structures, components, and technologies to meet performance, sustainability, regulatory, and cost objectives
• Conduct packaging trials, line testing, validation studies, and scale-up activities in manufacturing environments
• Collaborate with suppliers, converters, and packaging manufacturers to identify innovative solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Analyze packaging performance and resolve issues impacting manufacturing efficiency, product protection, shelf life, transportation, and consumer experience
• Support manufacturing operations through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process improvements
• Ensure packaging designs are optimized for manufacturing equipment, operational efficiency, and supply chain requirements
• Drive packaging standardization, material optimization, and cost reduction initiatives

Regulatory Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with applicable food packaging regulations, labeling requirements, environmental standards, customer specifications, and internal quality standards
• Establish and maintain packaging validation programs and testing requirements
• Support quality investigations and packaging-related corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, Sales, Marketing, and external stakeholders throughout product development and commercialization activities
• Support packaging artwork implementation, specification approvals, and change management processes
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations regarding packaging technologies, materials, sustainability initiatives, and emerging industry trends

Leadership & Resource Management

• Manage departmental priorities, project portfolios, budgets, KPIs, reporting, and resource allocation
• Lead and develop team members while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Establish project timelines and ensure successful execution of packaging initiatives across the organization

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Packaging Technology, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in packaging development, packaging engineering, product commercialization, or manufacturing environments, preferably within food, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or consumer products industries
• Demonstrated experience leading packaging projects from concept through commercialization and production launch
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, including flexible films, paperboard, corrugated packaging, plastics, labels, and sustainable packaging solutions
• Experience conducting packaging trials, validation testing, manufacturing implementation, and root cause investigations
• Knowledge of packaging machinery, manufacturing processes, and line performance considerations
• Familiarity with transportation testing, shelf-life evaluation, product protection requirements, and packaging performance standards
• Experience working directly with packaging suppliers, converters, printers, and contract manufacturers
• Strong knowledge of packaging regulations, labeling requirements, and industry standards
• Proven project management, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Experience managing teams, budgets, project portfolios, and performance metrics
• Skillful use of graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods environments
• Familiarity with packaging artwork workflows, die lines, print production, and specification management systems
• Knowledge of sustainability programs, packaging optimization initiatives, and environmental compliance requirements
• Experience with packaging development software, Epson Sure Color SC-P9570SE 12 color printer, specification systems, or project management platforms

Core Competencies:

• Technical expertise in packaging engineering and materials science
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Project management and organizational leadership
• Manufacturing and commercialization experience
• Supplier relationship management and collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Strategic thinking with strong execution skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions:

• Average work week of 44+ hours, with flexibility required during product launches, manufacturing trials, and key project milestones
• Combination of office, manufacturing, and supplier environments
• Regular involvement in plant trials, packaging evaluations, validation activities, and supplier visits
• Occasional travel may be required to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, or industry events

What We Offer:

• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Permanent, year-round positions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Group home and auto insurance
• Active social committee
• Subsidized lunches at our on-site cafeteria
• Work at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Markdale, Ontario
• The chance to join an international, award-winning business – the largest ice cream manufacturer in Canada
• A positive workplace culture where we take pride in what we do and strive for excellence
• Free ice cream!

In Addition To Wages, Employees Will Be Eligible For:

• Regular wage reviews as part of a comprehensive total rewards package
• Retirement savings program, including a company-matching pension plan to support long-term financial planning
• Comprehensive extended health, dental, life, and disability benefits
• Mental health support as part of the benefits program

Compensation:

• Salary Range: $80,000 to $120,000 annually

At Chapman’s, compensation is guided by a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes and rewards individual contributions.