Director – Packaging Development

This role will lead the packaging development team to support the hypergrowth and rapid global expansion of the brand. A dynamic, innovation-minded leader who loves the cross-functional nature and complexity of packaging development, thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading and developing a team, and excels in a passionate, collaborative culture would be successful in this role.

The position will report to the Executive Director, Packaging Design + Development.

Position Description:

The Director, Packaging Development will lead the end-to-end process of packaging creation for all product categories and channels. The Director will ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, differentiated packaging solutions that align with global brand and regulatory standards. This role also entails managing and growing teams, working closely with key internal stakeholders, engaging with external partners, and overseeing department operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Department Management:

• Manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effective operations
• Create and maintain tooling budget in partnership with Procurement
• Develop and execute staffing plans to support the department’s goals and growth trajectory
• Lead performance management efforts, providing mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities to ensure team members meet technical and professional growth targets
• Assess, develop, and implement processes and procedures in the packaging department and cross-functionally to enhance the overall function of the team and the organization
• Identify opportunities to strategically outsource for agility, including utilizing vendor development capabilities, turnkey providers, and stock components
• Foster a collaborative and innovative working environment that promotes communication, problem-solving, and continuous improvement

Development Oversight and Leadership:

• Lead the end-to-end design, testing, and validation of new packaging systems to ensure packaging designs are robust and reliable throughout the product lifecycle
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through material selection, packaging standardization, and continuous improvements in partnership with Procurement and Product Engineering
• Collaborate across functions and with external partners as part of the NPL process, including Product Development, Product Engineering, ESG, Packaging Design, Global Product Marketing, Global Regulatory Affairs, Project Management, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and others
• Support direct reports in problem solving and troubleshooting technical challenges
• Drive the packaging innovation agenda by exploring new materials, technologies, processes, partners, and being up to date on innovation, trends, and technological advances in packaging science
• Identify solutions to meet aggressive timelines, including turnkey and stock solutions, in additional to custom tooling
• Partnering with Quality, Operations, and Product Engineering, identify and validate new contract manufacturing partners to support and expand manufacturing capabilities
• In partnership with Procurement and Operations, support new component vendor identification and validation to ensure supply chain agility
• Other duties as assigned, according to the changing needs of the business. 

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Thinks Strategically: Takes a holistic view of the business, aligning operational decisions with overarching company objectives and long-term growth strategies. Analyzes industry trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities to identify key opportunities and challenges. Develops high-impact strategies that optimize resources, improve efficiency, and drive business performance. Ensures alignment between day-to-day operations and the company's vision, guiding the organization to achieve both immediate and future goals.
• Embraces and Initiates Change: Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation, recognizing when to challenge the status quo. Demonstrates the courage and foresight to lead transformative changes that drive business success, even in uncertain or ambiguous environments. Anticipates potential resistance and navigates it by clearly communicating the rationale behind changes, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders. Encourages adaptability and flexibility within teams, fostering a culture where change is seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a disruption. Actively leads by example, embracing change and ensuring change management is implemented effectively and with minimal disruption.
• Operates with Agility: Embraces a flexible and adaptive approach to work, thriving in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Continuously seeks to improve processes and strategies by being open to new ideas, iterative learning, and quick feedback loops. Encourages teams to pivot when necessary, responding rapidly to changes in market trends, business needs, and technology advancements. Promotes a culture of experimentation, where small-scale testing and fast failure are viewed as learning opportunities. Ensures that decision-making remains swift and data-driven, without sacrificing long-term goals or quality. Leads by example, fostering resilience and the ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining focus on delivering value to the business and its stakeholders.
• Builds Collaborative Relationships: Fosters a culture of trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity by actively engaging with colleagues across functions, departments, and levels. Builds strong, productive relationships that enhance teamwork and drive cross-functional success. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives and encourages open communication to solve problems, share ideas, and achieve common goals. Proactively seeks out and leverages the strengths of others, both internally and externally, to create solutions that benefit the organization as a whole. Balances personal accountability with a commitment to team success, breaking down silos to promote an environment where shared responsibility leads to superior outcomes.
• Communicates in a Clear and Transparent Manner: Delivers information in a straightforward, concise, and honest way, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding across all levels of the organization. Tailors communication to diverse audiences, balancing the need for detail with accessibility, whether speaking to technical teams, senior leadership, or external stakeholders. Provides regular updates on key initiatives, decisions, and challenges, fostering trust and transparency. Encourages open dialogue and actively listens, creating an environment where feedback is valued and acted upon. Proactively addresses concerns and potential misunderstandings, ensuring that all team members are aligned and informed. Demonstrates accountability through clear communication, helping to build a culture of openness and collaboration across the organization.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in packaging development in the beauty and/or CPG industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role with direct reports. Skincare, Fragrance, and OTC experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering required. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Proven track record of successful leadership of packaging teams, including experience leading and developing a growing team comprised of various levels of contributor.
• In-depth knowledge of the intersection between package engineering and package design
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical teams
• Proven ability to deliver results on time and with excellence
• Experience in effectively and collaboratively working with contract manufacturers and component vendors
• Excellent leadership skills, fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional growth
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Some travel required
• Hybrid – NYC/Metro

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