Packaging Project Manager

North Chicago, IL 60064

Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Other Professional Job Number: 45982900 Compensation: $65.00 / hour

Job Description

Title: Packaging Project Manager
Location: North Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Onsite, Long-term Contract
Pay Rate: $65.00/hour (W2, with full employee benefits)

Overview:
Sterling has helped build careers for thousands of professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Job Summary: 
Seeking a seasoned Project Manager with expertise in packaging and engineering to lead capital projects in a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing setting. This role is responsible for managing projects from concept through closure, including packaging equipment upgrades, facility enhancements, and process improvements. The scope includes New Product Introductions (NPI), cost-saving initiatives, and modernization of packaging systems.

The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with teams such as Operations, Maintenance, Quality Assurance/Validation, Supply Chain, and Engineering. Strong coordination with equipment suppliers and third-party contractors is essential. Candidates should possess in-depth technical knowledge of pharmaceutical or medical device packaging systems, proven project management capabilities, and a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

Job Duties:
  • Lead cross-functional capital packaging projects, ensuring alignment with business goals, timelines, and compliance requirements
  • Manage full project lifecycles, from concept and funding through design, procurement, commissioning, validation, and closeout
  • Identify and implement facility and process improvements that enhance packaging performance, reduce costs, and minimize waste
  • Prepare and submit CapEx requests, including ROI analysis and feasibility assessments for executive review
  • Manage NPI project timelines and activities, including packaging line setup and validation coordination for product launches
  • Drive packaging-related cost reduction initiatives such as automation upgrades, material optimization, and sustainability improvements
  • Collaborate with QA/Validation to ensure all work complies with cGMP, FDA, and other global regulatory standards
  • Oversee vendor selection, FAT, and equipment installation in coordination with internal procurement and engineering teams
  • Maintain comprehensive project records, including risk assessments, schedules, changes, and progress reports
  • Align packaging efforts with manufacturing, labeling, supply chain, and regulatory functions to ensure project readiness
  • Champion continuous improvement efforts through root cause investigations, CAPA execution, and post-project reviews

Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of project management experience in pharmaceutical or medical device packaging environments
  • Hands-on experience with packaging automation equipment such as cartoners, labelers, serialization systems, vision inspection tools, and case packers
  • Proficiency in project management software and tools

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Matthew Connolly

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

Apply Online

Send an email reminder to:

Share This Job:

Related Jobs:

Login to save this search and get notified of similar positions.

About North Chicago, IL

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore job opportunities in and around North Chicago, Illinois, where growth knows no bounds. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant area offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Home to iconic landmarks like Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago, plus renowned theater venues like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and iconic sports teams like the Cubs and Bulls, North Chicago boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Indulge in the local deep-dish pizza or take a stroll through Millennium Park; this region truly has something for everyone. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities for personal and professional growth in North Chicago - where careers flourish and dreams take flight.