Manager, Packaging Development Engineer

Omada Search; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Omada Search seeks a Packaging Development Manager to partner with Sales, Operations, customers, suppliers, and external partners to develop innovative, practical, and cost-effective packaging solutions. This role supports concepts from early customer conversations through validation, implementation, and continuous improvement, aligning with operational capabilities and customer needs.

The ideal candidate brings strong packaging development experience, technical design knowledge, and proven

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging development from concept through validation and implementation.
• Ability to lead multiple packaging projects and meet timelines.
• Strong collaboration with Sales, Operations, suppliers, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Partner with commercial teams, engineering, and customers on RFQs/RFPs by providing packaging design concepts and technical input.
• Develop packaging solutions across folding carton, corrugated, flexible packaging, and retail display formats.
• Support sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory and company sustainability objectives.
• Coordinate with external partners and suppliers to deliver prototypes and visualizations.
• Coordinate packaging performance testing through qualified external laboratories.
• Ensure packaging solutions align with operational, logistical, and supply chain capabilities.
• Identify and implement packaging improvements that reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement across customer programs and co-packing operations.
• Serve as the primary packaging expert during development discussions and design reviews.
• Manage multiple packaging development projects and timelines.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

ArtiosCAD

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Regulatory awareness

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Tools

ArtiosCAD

Job description

Our client is seeking a Packaging Development Manager to partner with Sales, Operations, customers, suppliers, and external partners to develop innovative, practical, and cost-effective packaging solutions. This role supports packaging concepts from early customer conversations through validation, implementation, and continuous improvement, helping deliver solutions that meet customer needs while aligning with operational capabilities.

The ideal candidate brings strong packaging development experience, technical design knowledge, project leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across commercial, technical, operational, and customer-facing teams.

Position Objective

The Packaging Development Manager provides packaging expertise from concept development through validation, implementation, and optimization, supporting both new business opportunities and existing customer programs. As US operations expand, responsibilities may evolve from a stronger commercial focus toward increased operational and continuous improvement support.

Responsibilities

• Partner with commercial teams, engineering, and customers on RFQs/RFPs by providing packaging design concepts and technical input early in the commercial process
• Develop packaging solutions across folding carton, corrugated, flexible packaging, and retail display formats
• Support the development of sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and company sustainability objectives
• Coordinate with external partners and suppliers to deliver prototypes, mock-ups, and packaging visualizations
• Coordinate packaging performance testing, including ISTA, vibration, compression, and drop testing, through qualified external laboratories
• Ensure proposed packaging solutions align with operational, logistical, and supply chain capabilities
• Identify and implement packaging improvements that reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer value
• Support the implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions across customer programs and co-packing operations
• Serve as the primary packaging subject matter expert for customers during development discussions, ideation sessions, design reviews, and technical evaluations
• Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, delivering within agreed timelines
• Maintain alignment with the global packaging development team on standards, tools, processes, and best practices

Qualifications

• Knowledge of packaging materials, technologies, industry trends, and market dynamics
• Proficiency with ArtiosCAD or an equivalent 2D packaging design tool with integrated 3D visualization
• Ability to develop commercially viable packaging concepts that support customer and operational needs
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting timelines
• Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, external partners, Sales, Operations, Procurement, Engineering, and Packaging Development teams
• Strong attention to detail, multitasking, and time management skills
• Collaborative team player who works well across departments
• Familiarity with ISO, GMP, USDA, food safety, and food defense requirements

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary to medium work, including time on production floors, warehouses, labs, and customer or supplier sites
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 35 pounds as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation

Travel

Up to 25%, including customer visits, workshops, supplier meetings, external testing support, and plant support.