About this role
Package design & engineering
• Lead end-to-end structural packaging development for new product launches, line extensions, and reformulations across color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care categories.
• Drive selection, qualification, and specification of primary and secondary packaging components (bottles, jars, tubes, pumps, closures, folding cartons, etc.).
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications, tolerances, and qualification protocols; ensure components meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion sustainable packaging initiatives — material reduction, PCR content, recyclability — in partnership with key stakeholders.
Packaging equipment & manufacturing
• Collaborate with manufacturing and contract packaging operations to ensure packaging components are designed for efficient, high-quality production at scale.
• Provide technical expertise on filling, assembly, and labeling equipment capabilities; lead equipment trials and technology assessments for new packaging formats.
• Partner with quality assurance to troubleshoot and resolve packaging-related manufacturing issues, ensuring continuous improvement.
Creative artwork & graphics execution
• Oversee the artwork and graphics workflow from dieline creation through pre-press and print production, ensuring brand standards are upheld across all touchpoints.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative teams to translate design intent into technically feasible, print-ready artwork — managing color management, print processes (offset, flexo, hot stamp, screen print, etc.), and supplier capabilities.
• Manage and review press approvals, ensuring on-brand, on-spec execution at launch.
Cross-functional leadership
• Serve as the primary packaging representative in cross-functional stage-gate and product development meetings, influencing decisions on feasibility, cost, timing, and sustainability.
• Partner closely with Marketing, R&D, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality to align packaging development with brand vision and business objectives.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and vendors — packaging component manufacturers, testing labs, and creative service partners.
• Support the VP, Package Engineering North America in shaping regional packaging strategy, standards, and best practices.
Team development
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing packaging engineering team; establish clear goals, performance metrics, and growth plans.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture that balances innovation with executional excellence.
• Identify skill gaps and drive organizational capability development in packaging engineering and artwork operations.
Qualifications
Required
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in packaging engineering within cosmetics, personal care, or adjacent consumer goods industries
• Demonstrated expertise in structural packaging design and component engineering
• Hands-on experience with packaging equipment, filling lines, and manufacturing processes
• Strong working knowledge of artwork and graphics production workflows
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in a cross-functional, fast-paced product development environment
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Preferred
• Experience on both brand side and contract packaging / CMO environments
• Familiarity with global packaging regulations (FDA, EU, REACH) relevant to cosmetics
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging standards and certifications
• Experience with PLM, project management tools, or artwork management systems
• IoPP membership or Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation
• Sourcing or procurement exposure with packaging vendors and suppliers