Packaging Development Manager

Our Place•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our Place is seeking a Packaging Development Manager to lead structural and graphic packaging development across its product line, balancing brand experience, protective performance, sustainability, and cost. The role works closely with Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Creative, QA, and Compliance/Legal to take packaging from concept through production and support product launches. The manager will oversee packaging specifications, technical drawings, dielines, testing, quality standards, sustainability initiatives, suppliers, costs, and development timelines. The position also supports packaging that works efficiently for fulfillment, warehousing, parcel shipping, and applicable retail requirements. The company describes its culture as collaborative and hybrid, with teams currently working together at its West LA headquarters on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the possibility of more in-office days in the future.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in packaging development, ideally in consumer products, housewares, or DTC e-commerce.
Strong background in mass retail packaging requirements.
Experience with wholesale and retail packaging types, including corrugated DTC shipper boxes, color boxes, adhesive retail stickers, paper/cardboard retail color sleeves, and Costco PDQ packaging.
Experience managing purchase orders, production, and shipping.
Working knowledge of packaging test standards such as ISTA and ASTM, and of quality inspection processes.
Demonstrated experience with sustainable packaging materials and practices.
Strong vendor negotiation, budget management, and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to align cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience optimizing packaging for parcel and e-commerce shipping, including dimensional weight and mailer design.
Familiarity with international packaging compliance requirements, such as California Proposition 65 and EU packaging and packaging waste regulations.
Experience working directly with overseas packaging manufacturers and factories, in addition to domestic suppliers.

Nice To Haves

Solid understanding of Costco packaging requirements and Costco transit testing requirements.
Fluency in spoken Mandarin Chinese.

Responsibilities

Lead structural and graphic packaging development for new and existing SKUs from concept through production-ready specifications.
Partner with Product Development and Creative to ensure packaging reflects the brand while meeting functional and protective requirements.
Manage packaging specifications, technical drawings, and dielines, including revisions through final approval.
Establish and oversee packaging test protocols, including drop, compression, vibration, and ISTA standards.
Investigate in-transit damage, lead root-cause analysis, and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers.
Own packaging quality standards and inspection criteria, partnering with QA on incoming inspections.
Drive sustainable packaging initiatives, including recyclable or recycled materials, reduced plastic use, and right-sizing.
Evaluate materials and vendors for performance, cost, and environmental impact; track and report packaging sustainability metrics to leadership.
Manage relationships with domestic and overseas packaging suppliers and manufacturers.
Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities, and lead times, and manage packaging cost-per-unit targets and budgets.
Own the packaging development calendar to ensure specifications are ready for product launch timelines.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to support fulfillment, warehousing, parcel shipping, and dimensional-weight optimization.
Collaborate with Compliance and Legal to ensure packaging meets labeling, safety, and import/export requirements across markets.
Present packaging strategy, timelines, and cost updates to leadership.

Benefits

Competitive pay and equity.
Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus plan for all full-time team members.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Generous paid time off and synchronized time off.
$500 per year for learning and development.
Optional 401(k) plan.
Team member discount and an annual Our Place gift card, plus Our Place products for home use.
Office with a creative studio, multiple kitchens, and collaborative space.
Catered Tuesday lunches.
Team events, activities, and an annual company retreat.