[Remote] Senior Manager, Packaging Development

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Salt & Stone is a skincare and self-care brand that combines active ingredients from the sea and mountains with skin science and fragrances. The Senior Manager, Packaging Development will build and lead the Packaging Development function, establish standards and supplier relationships, and manage hands-on packaging development for active launches. The role partners with Product Development, Creative, Regulatory, Operations, suppliers, and contract manufacturers while developing the team over time.

Responsibilities

• Establish and uphold packaging development standards and ways of working, including but not limited to FMEA reports, test plans (compatibility, fill weight, UV light, function, transit, etc), artwork tracking, first production checklist, and more
• Establish and uphold a single source of truth for packaging specifications across the portfolio
• Develop and manage relationships with packaging suppliers and vendors, domestic and international, and building a pipeline of new supplier options
• Create packaging briefs that define pack and formula requirements, and lead new project kickoffs with suppliers and the internal Creative team
• Evaluate launch feasibility across cost, lead time, technical function, design aesthetics, and manufacturability, and flag risk early with clear options and recommendations
• Own the packaging budget, including new tooling and comps
• As the function grows, build and develop a Packaging Development team, establishing clear roles, standards, and career pathways
• Run packaging development end to end for active launches, from concept through production, partnering with Product Development and Creative on design intent, formula compatibility, and technical execution
• Own artwork and proof approvals between internal teams and suppliers, providing component codes, dielines, and UPCs as needed, and ensuring brand and regulatory accuracy across every touchpoint
• Communicate with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers on project status, resolving issues related to timing, technical capability, capacity, or cost as they arise
• Coordinate sample, standard, and range board approvals across cross-functional teams, suppliers, and contract manufacturers
• Provide feasibility assessments for new packaging concepts, covering function, manufacturability, component cost, tooling estimates, and development lead time
• Track project status and timelines across all active packaging workstreams, flagging risk and proposing solutions before they affect launch dates
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Creative, Regulatory, and Operations to keep packaging aligned with formula, design, and compliance requirements across every launch

Skills

• 5+ years of experience in packaging development or a related field, concentrated in the prestige beauty industry, with experience across fragrance and body care categories
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field
• Comprehensive knowledge of materials used in the construction and manufacturing of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging
• Comprehensive knowledge of test methods used to validate component and package performance
• Proven experience evaluating and managing supplier and vendor relationships, domestic and international, from sourcing through production and beyond
• Working knowledge of PLM systems for component code and bill of materials management
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, organization, and attention to detail
• A commitment to fostering a culture of support and accountability
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• You are comfortable using data to tell a story and can speak confidently to the metrics of your role
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and flexibility to adjust plans as needed

Benefits

• Annual Performance Bonus
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) with 3% match
• Flex PTO
• Paid Leave
• Company Discounts

Company Overview