Packaging and Development Manager
Job Description
Packaging Development Manager
Location: Caldwell, NJ | Remote Flexibility
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Compensation: $110,000–$130,000 base
Travel: Approximately 20–30%
If you enjoy turning packaging ideas into technically sound, manufacturable solutions—from concept and structural design through testing and production—this opportunity offers the chance to make an immediate impact while helping build a growing packaging development function.
CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking a Packaging Development Manager for a growing manufacturing and packaging organization. This newly created role will lead packaging development and innovation for customer projects, partnering closely with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to bring packaging concepts from initial idea through validation and implementation.
The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical packaging design expertise with creativity, commercial awareness, and strong customer-facing communication skills.
Responsibilities
Preferred experience includes beauty/personal care, holiday or promotional packaging, gift sets, corrugated packaging, CPG, and complex multi-component packaging. These are preferences rather than requirements.
Why Candidates Like This Role
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-Time
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available.
Travel: Approximately 20–30% based on business and project needs.
Location: Caldwell, NJ preferred, with remote flexibility available based on experience.
Location: Caldwell, NJ | Remote Flexibility
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Compensation: $110,000–$130,000 base
Travel: Approximately 20–30%
If you enjoy turning packaging ideas into technically sound, manufacturable solutions—from concept and structural design through testing and production—this opportunity offers the chance to make an immediate impact while helping build a growing packaging development function.
CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking a Packaging Development Manager for a growing manufacturing and packaging organization. This newly created role will lead packaging development and innovation for customer projects, partnering closely with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to bring packaging concepts from initial idea through validation and implementation.
The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical packaging design expertise with creativity, commercial awareness, and strong customer-facing communication skills.
Responsibilities
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Lead packaging development projects from concept and ideation through validation and implementation.
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Create, review, and modify 2D/CAD packaging designs, technical drawings, dielines, and structural concepts.
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Work directly with customers to understand packaging requirements, present and recommend design concepts, explain technical and commercial tradeoffs, and guide solutions through customer approval.
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Support new business opportunities and customer proposals by providing packaging concepts, technical recommendations, and design expertise in partnership with Sales and Operations.
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Develop solutions that balance design, functionality, manufacturability, quality, and cost.
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Support prototypes, packaging testing, validation, and production readiness.
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Develop complex packaging solutions involving multiple components and materials.
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Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously.
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Partner cross-functionally with commercial, operations, engineering, procurement, and project teams.
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Identify technical challenges and recommend packaging or process improvements.
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3+ years of packaging development, packaging engineering, structural packaging design, or related experience; 5+ years preferred.
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Hands-on CAD/2D packaging design experience; ArtiosCAD or comparable software preferred.
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Experience developing packaging from concept through production.
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Experience with technical drawings, structural packaging, materials, and manufacturability.
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Knowledge of packaging testing and validation methods, including ISTA, drop, vibration, and/or compression testing.
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Experience working directly with packaging suppliers and vendors.
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Demonstrated experience working directly with customers, presenting packaging solutions, influencing design decisions, and collaborating with Sales, Operations, and suppliers.
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Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a growing environment.
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Ability to travel approximately 20–30%, including occasional international travel.
Preferred experience includes beauty/personal care, holiday or promotional packaging, gift sets, corrugated packaging, CPG, and complex multi-component packaging. These are preferences rather than requirements.
Why Candidates Like This Role
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Competitive base salary of $110,000–$130,000.
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Newly created position with the opportunity to help shape a growing packaging development function.
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High visibility across packaging innovation, technical design, customers, suppliers, and commercialization.
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Opportunity to work on creative and technically complex packaging projects.
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Long-term growth potential as the packaging development function expands.
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-Time
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available.
Travel: Approximately 20–30% based on business and project needs.
Location: Caldwell, NJ preferred, with remote flexibility available based on experience.
Meet Your Recruiter
Katie Huff
Katie Huff serves as Assistant Recruiting Manager in CornerStone’s Professional Placement division, connecting high-performing professionals with organizations seeking top-tier talent. She approaches recruiting with a consultative mindset, taking the time to understand each client’s business objectives and each candidate’s long-term career goals. Katie is committed to delivering an exceptional experience throughout every step of the hiring process.
With a background in full-cycle recruitment across both Healthcare and IT, she brings experience, drive, and a people-first approach to every search. Katie genuinely loves the recruiting process, from sourcing and screening to helping candidates navigate interviews and land the right role.
What sets Katie apart is her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping others succeed. She thrives on putting the puzzle pieces together, matching strong talent with the needs of a business and creating outcomes that benefit both the candidate and the client.
Katie is proud to be part of CornerStone’s Professional Placement team and is dedicated to building long-term relationships through trust, communication, and results.
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Unlock your next career opportunity in the vibrant area surrounding Caldwell, New Jersey! Nestled in Essex County, this charming town offers job seekers a unique blend of suburban tranquility, access to metropolitan amenities, and a thriving professional community. With close proximity to New York City, a rich history showcased in sites like the Grover Cleveland Birthplace, and a variety of dining options ranging from classic diners to trendy cafes, Caldwell is a hidden gem for those seeking career growth and work-life balance. Explore job opportunities in this dynamic region and discover why Caldwell is the perfect place to kickstart your career journey.