Brand Manager, Multi Category Special Packaging

Philip Morris International U.S.•Stamford, CT

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Brand Manager, Special Packaging is responsible for leading the creative development and end‑to‑end execution of special packaging initiatives across ZYN and IQOS, including limited runs, rewards programs, partnerships, and differentiated packaging expressions. This role serves as the brand-facing owner for special packaging, translating brand strategy into distinctive packaging solutions such as special and limited-edition cans both for rewards store or retail, differentiated can designs, and new packaging formats. The role requires close collaboration with Brand Teams for concept approval, while ensuring disciplined execution through cross‑functional and external partners, balancing creativity, feasibility, compliance, and timelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Design, Business, or a related field required.
5+ years of experience in brand management, packaging, creative development, or related roles within a regulated or consumer‑centric environment.
Prior experience working with creative agencies and external partners required.
Fully authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now and in the future

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Experience with limited editions, special packaging, or premium brand expressions strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the creative development of special packaging concepts for ZYN and IQOS, in alignment with brand strategy and objectives.
Own the packaging vision for initiatives including: Special and promotional cans (e.g., Rewards, partnerships, lifestyle themes), can differentiation and visual storytelling, mixed packaging containers and new packaging formats aligned with consumer needs and trends.
Translate brand briefs into packaging expressions that elevate desirability and differentiation while remaining brand‑safe and compliant.
Partner closely with Brand Teams to secure concept alignment and formal approvals.
Continuously explore consumer behaviors and packaging trends to ensure all special packaging proposals are rooted in a clear consumer insight or relevant cultural or market trend.
Lead the end‑to‑end process for special packaging initiatives from concept to final delivery.
Coordinate timelines, milestones, and decision points across all stakeholders.
Ensure smooth handoff from creative approval into development, production, and delivery.
Balance creativity with operational feasibility, cost considerations, and timing requirements.
Lead the development of creative briefs for visual merchandising (VM) in support of limited editions and special packaging initiatives across ZYN and IQOS.
Translate special packaging concepts into clear, actionable POS execution frameworks, ensuring consistency between pack design and in‑store expression.
Partner with Brand Teams, Trade Marketing, and Creative agencies to define visual merchandising guidelines, assets, and activation principles aligned with brand strategy.
Ensure VM concepts are execution‑ready, commercially viable, and compliant with regulatory and channel constraints.
Deliver a POS toolbox for Trade Marketing teams, including: Visual guidelines and look & feel, asset recommendations and hierarchies and execution principles for different retail environments.
Support alignment between brand intent, packaging differentiation, and in‑store visibility, maximizing impact at the point of sale.
Act as the central point of coordination across Brand, Packaging, Regulatory, Legal, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Global Packaging stakeholders.
Ensure special packaging initiatives comply with regulatory, legal, and quality standards.
Drive clarity of roles, accountability, and decision‑making across cross‑functional teams.
Communicate progress, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to Brand and leadership partners.
Collaborate with external creative agencies, as well as global packaging internal teams, packaging suppliers, printers, and partners to bring special packaging concepts to life.
Ensure external partners deliver against creative intent, technical specifications, quality standards, and timelines.
Support supplier qualification and material selection in partnership with packaging and procurement teams.
Ensure all special packaging initiatives respect brand identity frameworks, governance processes, and approval pathways.
Document learnings and best practices from launches and special initiatives.
Identify opportunities to elevate special packaging capabilities, improve processes, and expand creative toolkits for future initiatives.
Demonstrate strong ownership, accountability, and judgment when managing high‑visibility, brand‑driven initiatives.
Influence cross‑functional teams and external partners without direct authority.
Manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while maintaining quality and creative excellence.
Act as a collaborative leader and trusted partner to Brand Teams.