Packaging Development Manager

Dairy Farmers of America • Joplin, MO

82d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Finished Goods setup and Packaging Development Manager to lead our packaging coordinator team. This role is responsible for the development, optimization, and execution of finished good setup projects and packaging solutions that ensure product integrity, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. This person would be responsible for conducting final inspections and validation procedures to ensure the finished goods meet all standards, and formally release the finished goods to the appropriate departments for use in their respective processes, such as customer service for planning order entry, supply chain for inventory, production scheduling and planning, and raw material procurement, and production for manufacturing. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure that finished good setup and packaging development projects meet product protection, cost, sustainability, regulatory, and branding requirements. This role is crucial to enhancing product integrity, customer experience, and operational efficiency. This role involves managing a team, coordinating with operations, supply chain, technical services, R&D, quality and customer services, and implementing continuous improvements to optimize packaging performance. This role will routinely interact with senior management to provide project status updates, and to obtain an understanding of future strategy and direction for project planning purposes.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or industrial technology, supply chain, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of packaging design and development or related experience.
• 3+ years in a management or team leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, corrugate, flexible films, etc.) and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), food services, or food & beverage.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk).
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Goal oriented with a customer service and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, specifications, and production processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience with die lines, mockups, and technical design specifications.

Responsibilities

• Drive all finished good setup and packaging development projects to their successful completion.
• Design, develop, and validate new packaging systems for existing and new products across company product portfolio.
• Drive innovation in packaging materials, design, and processes to improve functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with product development, R&D, operations, customer service, quality assurance, supply chain, and customers and suppliers.
• Oversee vendor relationships, including sourcing, qualifications, and performance monitoring in collaboration with procurement.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and internal quality systems.
• Select appropriate materials and methods to ensure protection, compliance, and performance during distribution and storage.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues across the supply chain and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant packaging regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, ISTA, ASTM).
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as output, waste, downtime, and packaging non-conformance; implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for packaging processes.
• Source and evaluate new packaging materials or suppliers in collaboration with procurement.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Ensure all packaging materials meet required specifications, standards, and customer goals.
• Track and manage finished good setup and packaging projects from concept through production, including timelines.
• Communicate with vendors and third-party suppliers to resolve issues and maintain quality.
• Review and approve packaging samples and proofs for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain documentation related to packaging specs and compliance certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees