GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Packaging Development Manager primarily focuses on overseeing packaging projects, manages strategy and packaging specifications, testing programs, and artwork reviews to ensure every product looks great, functions flawlessly, and meets all quality and regulatory standards. You will be at the heart of bringing innovative and high-quality packaging to life!
In this fast-paced and dynamic environment, the Packaging Development Manager thrives on problem-solving, collaborating with suppliers and contract manufacturers, and driving projects forward. With a passion for sustainability, they identify risks, explore cutting- edge packaging solutions, and help shape the future of eco-friendly design. Strong cross-functional teamwork is key, as this role plays a vital part in bringing ideas to reality while ensuring efficiency and excellence every step of the way.

Please note that the person in this role will be required to work in-office at our Alliance TX locations. Remote or hybrid work options are not available for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supports packaging development projects for existing portfolios such as Tree Hut and Baby Magic, or any potential future categories and product lines.
• Manages packaging development timelines, ensuring that all critical launch milestones are met and information is communicated as necessary to key stakeholders.
• Manages and organizes all packaging files (specifications, quotes, etc.) and artwork files.
• Manages and owns development of all packaging sampling projects, including but not limited to sourcing components that can be standardized by size and format, color matching, compatibility, and functionality testing
  
• Conducts comprehensive functionality testing on existing or emerging products to ensure optimal performance on products like body lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balms, and other skincare items.
• Address potential quality issues including packaging failures, product damages, material shortages, or supplier delays to internal stakeholders
• Develops, manages, and organizes F&As and technical packaging specifications for all componentry (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Tracks and organizes all packaging samples for internal review, reference, and archive
• Reviews all artwork files and proofs for accuracy and completeness, managing the submission, review and approval process with packaging suppliers and print vendors
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Operations, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure vendor selections are strategically aligned with supplier rationalization
• Works with Product Development, Marketing, and other departments creating packaging briefs, managing supplier quotes, and initiating, overseeing, and tracking applicable product testing
• Partners with Marketing and Sales to consolidate, manage, and track prelaunch sample needs
• Supports Quality team in creation of finished product specifications
  
• Supports packaging sustainability efforts, working closely with applicable internal (Product Development, Marketing, Operations, Sales) and external (retail partners, regulatory agencies, etc.) stakeholders to provide strategic recommendations to improve our carbon footprint
• Collaborates with external sustainability partners (PACT Collective, Bluebird, Lorax EPI) to stay informed on evolving sustainability requirements, communicate updates with key cross-functional partners, and identify necessary changes driven by retailer or market mandates to develop a roadmap for implementation.
• Manages relationships with packaging suppliers and manufacturers while coordinating the sourcing of packaging components and ensuring timely delivery of materials
• Ability to prioritize tasks and pivot quickly in response to new challenges, product launches, or evolving market needs, ensuring timely delivery, of packaging that supports Naterra’s growing portfolio beauty and skincare product.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, product science, graphic design, fine arts, or other fields.
• At least 5 years of experience working within packaging development, design, and/or engineering.
• Excellent planning, organization, and follow-up skills.
• High attention to detail
• Good understanding of new product launch process and development steps.
• Logical thinker, sound analytical approach to solving problems.
• Ability to develop solutions in ambiguous situations.
• Adapts well to change in timelines and business needs.
• Must be highly collaborative and communicate well with experts in a variety of departments. Excellent project management skills and follow up communication.
• Clear written and verbal communication across levels and departments.
• Ability to connect the dots and anticipate issues to avoid setbacks.
• Advanced working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
• CPG experience is a must, beauty category experience preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary plus bonus structure
• Annual bonus program of up to 35% based on company metrics
• Career pathing and development
• Medical / Dental / Vision / Life
• Matching 401k up to 4%
• Travel opportunities