Senior Manager, Packaging Development

0101 Coca-Cola North America; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coca-Cola Company is seeking a Senior Manager, Packaging Development to lead the creation and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions. You will leverage packaging trends, technical research, and the global packaging network while collaborating with external partners, including agencies and suppliers.

The role spans idea generation through pilot and market introduction, with an emphasis on scaling new technology and driving costs down through optimized packaging systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or related field; a post-graduate degree is preferred.
• 5–10 years of Packaging Development experience in the CPG/beverage sector.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of packaging trends, consumer trends, and technical research methodologies.
• Ability to work with external resources (design agencies, consultants, universities, suppliers) to drive innovation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative mindset to identify and develop innovative packaging solutions.

Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise: Build and manage the Package RDI Pipeline aligned with OU objectives.
• Manage budgets, scope, multiple suppliers and team members from partner companies.
• Import and adapt best-in-class packaging ideas from other OUs or external partners.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and related production processes.
• Scale new technology into viable commercial propositions from bench to plant.
• Lead end-to-end packaging projects from raw materials to distribution networks.

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Senior Manager, Packaging Development at The Coca-Cola Company is a pivotal role focused on identifying and creating new packaging solutions. This involves leveraging relevant packaging and consumer trends, technical research, and system capabilities to develop innovative packaging. The role includes re-applying ideas from the Coca-Cola Global Packaging network and working with external resources such as design agencies, consultants, universities, and suppliers. The scope of a typical project entails idea generation, proof of concept, design, development, pilot, and trial activities. Candidates must have demonstrated success in developing and commercializing packages and possess the ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering excellent working relationships across various functional areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise: Builds and Manages the Package RDI Pipeline for a given Category in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Operating Unit.
• Ability to manage large budgets, broad scopes, multiple suppliers and/or team members from partner companies.
• Imports and exports best in class packaging ideas from other Operating Units or external partners.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and the related production processes.
• This includes knowledge of design development, material compatibility, material – machine interface, conversion processes with involved engineering, supplier processes, standards and specifications.
• Ability to scale new technology into a viable commercial proposition, bench to plant.
• End to end knowledge of the packaging industry from raw materials, conversion, printing, application and through distribution network.
• Deep insight into sustainable materials, recycling systems and latest technologies.
• Material, product and machine interface optimization with a focus on driving costs and waste out of the system.
• Project Management: Manage priorities and guide planning processes to achieve desired outcomes.
• Create and manage overall project schedules by working with internal and external cross functional team members including bottling partners.
• Technical Communication for Business Effectiveness: Disseminate key facts and present complex information in a concise and easily understood manner.
• Effectively document and communicate routine technical data within R&I and business teams.
• Building a Business Case: Leverage influence and negotiation skills, paired with compelling scientific, consumer, and economic data, to create persuasive business cases for new packaging projects.
• Lead the technical portion of the business case development for routine projects.
• Bringing Innovation to Market: Generate and translate innovative ideas into feasible, practical, and cost-effective packaging solutions.
• Utilize general technology and supply base knowledge to successfully bring innovations to market from inception to implementation using known technologies.
• Lead pilot and trial activities to validate new packaging concepts and ensure successful market introduction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or a related field; a post-graduate degree is preferred.
• 5-10 years of previous experience in Packaging Development within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, preferably with experience in the beverage sector.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of packaging trends, consumer trends, and technical research methodologies.
• Ability to work with external resources, including design agencies, consultants, universities, and suppliers, to drive innovation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative mindset to identify and develop innovative packaging solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a global packaging network and familiarity with the re-application of ideas within a large organization.
• Change management
• Problem Solving
• Continuous improvement
• Experience with sustainable packaging solutions and an understanding of environmental impacts.

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Skills

Pay Range: United States: 120,000 - 149,000 USD
Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Location(s): United States of America
City/Cities: Atlanta
Travel Required: 00% - 25%
Relocation Provided: No
Job Posting End Date: November 15, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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The Coca-Cola Company is a global community of passionate employees who are refreshing the world and making a difference every day. Innovation has been at the heart of our story since 1886. It goes beyond new flavors and brands. Learn more about our system and how we’re making an impact. As a global organization, we seek opportunities to embrace and champion progress. Our careers span across functions and are globally connected to give you an unmatched career experience. We’re glad you’ve chosen to explore your next career opportunity with The Coca-Cola Company. Learn more about our hiring process and pick up tips on how to showcase your experience and skills so you can stand out and thrive.

The Coca‑Cola global business system is composed of The Coca‑Cola Company (TCCC), its subsidiaries and 225 bottling partners around the world. Search jobs throughout our system.