Director, Packaging Development - Fenty

Kendo Brands, Inc.•San Francisco, CA

16h•$168,100 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Packaging Development – Fenty develops high-quality, cost-effective, fun, and innovative packaging while exceeding internal expectations where possible. The role covers concept ideation, component development, package testing, and manufacturing execution. It guides technical, aesthetic, and cost considerations throughout design and development, and works with internal departments and suppliers to deliver packaging projects. The Director leads resourcing and cost-savings initiatives, manages the packaging budget, supports sustainability initiatives, and helps develop packaging processes and systems. The position may oversee more than one brand and manages, leads, and trains a team of 2–5 packaging developers. It also leads internal and external meetings and takes a strategic view beyond packaging alone. This is a hybrid role based in Kendo’s downtown San Francisco office, with in-office work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work Monday and Friday.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of experience in package development or engineering with a best-in-class beauty company.
Proven track record of success and broad understanding of cosmetics packaging.
Demonstrated successful cooperation and working relationships with Creative, Marketing, Product Development, and Operations.
Strong GMP knowledge.
Strategic development capability as well as hands-on problem-solving ability.
Strong independent and analytical thinking skills.
Excellent teamwork and relationship-building skills.
Ability to accept and embrace change and navigate ambiguity.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent communication skills to work effectively with all organizational levels and suppliers.
Excellent organizational skills to manage documentation, materials, samples, and information.
Solid record of people management and effectively developing and leading a team of Packaging Developers.

Responsibilities

Guide technical, aesthetic, and cost aspects of the design process, including concept ideation and 3D design.
Oversee projects of all types, including sellable and non-sellable products, samples, and accessories.
Evaluate feasibility for design, cost of goods, manufacturing capabilities, and timing.
Identify suitable suppliers based on project requirements.
Account for the cost impact of components and production methods.
Evolve packaging aesthetics in coordination with Packaging Design.
Oversee color and decoration submissions, standards, and range boards.
Resolve packaging-related quality issues and timeline challenges.
Review and approve technical drawings.
Lead packaging tooling efforts.
Oversee packaging testing, analyze test results, and assess associated risk.
Oversee line trials, fill weights, and component and assembly specifications.
Issue label claims, dielines, recycling codes, and UPCs for artwork.
Proof packaging-related artwork elements.
Maintain component specifications and fill assembly instructions.
Support regional and quality-assurance package data inquiries.
Lead and execute resourcing and cost-savings initiatives.
Interface with Marketing, Creative, Operations, and Product Development departments.
Understand cosmetic product and packaging manufacturing processes.
Participate in developing new packaging development processes and systems.
Develop and maintain professional knowledge of new and emerging packaging technology trends.
Drive sustainability initiatives.
Manage the budget.
Potentially oversee more than one brand.
Manage, lead, and train an effective team of 2–5 packaging developers.
Lead internal and external meetings and discussions.
Take a strategic view beyond packaging.