Packaging Development & Engineering Manager

Markdale, ON

Title: Packaging Development & Engineering Manager
Department: Strategic Planning
Reports To: Director, Strategic Planning and Implementation

Job Summary:

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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…