Product & Packaging Development Manager, CPG

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Murphy’s Naturals is seeking a Product & Packaging Development Manager to lead the development of high-performing, sustainable products and packaging, grounded in our belief in the potential for good in everything we do, for people, the planet, and our products.

This role blends technical packaging engineering, product development, and commercial innovation , owning projects from concept through scale. The ideal candidate is a hands-on expert in materials, specifications, and testing, while also driving cross-functional initiatives that improve cost, manufacturability, and environmental impact.

Designed as a “player-coach” role, this individual will execute day-to-day development work while building toward broader program leadership as the business grows. You’ll serve as a key technical partner across Sales, Operations, Marketing, and external manufacturers, translating business needs into scalable, retail-ready solutions.

Success in this role requires strong technical depth, practical problem-solving, and the ability to think beyond the immediate build toward long-term, sustainable innovation.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical specifications for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Utilize CAD (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar) for design reviews, tolerance management, and vendor collaboration.
• Lead validation and testing protocols (e.g., ISTA 3A/3B) to ensure product integrity
• Serve as the technical owner for product formulations, maintaining documentation, version control, and key learnings.

• Value Engineering: Identify and execute cost-savings initiatives (COGS) through material optimization and logistics efficiency.
• Manufacturing Integration: Lead "Line Trials" at co-packers and internal facilities to ensure designs are optimized for high-speed production.
• Retail Readiness:
  • Design and validate retail-ready displays (PDQs, Sidekicks) tailored for Big Box retail requirements.
  • Build and manage relationships with key partners, including suppliers, co-manufacturers, and formulators, to strengthen the innovation pipeline.

• Source and qualify eco-friendly materials (PCR, bio-resins, compostables) that align with Murphy’s B Corp values without compromising formula stability or shelf-life.

To be successful, this individual must build strong partnerships with:

• Sales: Translate retailer requirements into actionable designs on short timelines
• Ops : Evaluate operational feasibility early in development, including manufacturing, sourcing, packaging, and distribution.
• Marketing & Brand: Balancing brand aesthetics with structural integrity.
• Supply Chain & Finance: De-risking growth through vendor qualification and margin management.
• Co-Packers: Troubleshooting real-world production constraints.
• Regulatory : Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Procurement teams to ensure compliance, safety, and supply chain readiness.

• 4–7 years of experience in Packaging Engineering or Product Development (CPG preferred).
• B.S. in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated "Founder's Mindset"—the ability to pivot from tactical troubleshooting to long-term strategy.

Required (The "Must-Haves")

• Software
  • CAD Proficiency (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) for technical spec development.
• Testing
  • ISTA & ASTM Standards (specifically for parcel and LTL).
• Regulatory
  • Knowledge of CPG labeling compliance and font/placement rules.

Preferred (The "Nice-to-Haves")

• Software
  • Experience with ERP/BOM management tools (NetSuite/SAP).
• Testing
  • Hands-on lab experience with vibration and compression testing.
• Regulatory
  • EPA / FIFRA (25b) knowledge for pesticide packaging.

• Health & Wellness
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Mental health support through EAP
• Financial Future
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer Safe Harbor contribution
• Time to Recharge
  • 3 weeks (120 hours/15 days) PTO in 1st year of employment
  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Community
  • Quarterly paid company-wide volunteer opportunities