Packaging Development Manager

Overview

Away is a travel brand focused on premium, durable, and sustainable luggage and travel essentials. Since launching in 2016 with one carry-on, Away has grown to offer a range of products and aims to make travel more seamless for everyone.

Join The Crew. We are hiring a Packaging Development Manager to join our Supply Chain & Operations team. This role reports to the Sr. Director of Quality Assurance, Packaging, & Personalization and focuses on managing the technical lifecycle of packaging from concept to delivery to ensure a premium unboxing experience.

• Build the technical framework for packaging by translating creative and marketing recommendations into realistic, high-performance specifications.
• Lead the execution of comprehensive project overviews, defining function, manufacturability, costs, and development lead times for new initiatives.
• Ensure packaging design and construction meet design, function, and quality criteria while meeting cost and time objectives.
• Partner with Wholesale teams to develop secondary and tertiary packaging that meets retailer standards, including labeling, palletization, and routing guide requirements.
• Validate all technical drawings and package specifications to provide a clear roadmap for production.
• Cultivate and manage a robust network of domestic and international suppliers; serve as the primary technical contact for external partners.
• Implement and oversee rigorous package testing plans to ensure materials meet specifications and withstand e-commerce requirements.
• Drive innovation by scouting new packaging concepts, emerging technologies, and materials to support the Product Development roadmap.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on sustainability, manufacturing efficiency, and optimized size-to-ship dimensions to reduce carbon footprint.

• You have a minimum of 5 years of experience in packaging development and a bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• You are organized and able to manage complex documentation and samples while communicating technical needs to all levels of the organization.
• You are a systems-oriented communicator with a track record of organizing packaging documents, artwork versioning, and sample libraries to ensure global data integrity.
• You are a specialist in consumer goods, ideally with experience in developing high-durability packaging for e-commerce and online delivery.
• You are globally minded, with experience or strong interest in managing international packaging supplier relationships.
• You are technically proficient with broad knowledge of packaging materials and construction methods (paper, corrugated, sustainable alternatives, plastics).
• You are a problem-solver who remains flexible and composed while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• You are a collaborative team player who can navigate competing priorities across Creative, Operations, and Product Development teams.
• You are creative, innovative, and stay on brand while building new solutions; you are agile and motivated by a fast-paced environment.
• You are passionate about transforming travel for all.

• We’re travelers. Travel is about the journey and growth each trip offers. All employees are encouraged to take time to get away through our time-away offerings.
• We’re driven. Our work matters and contributes to our growing potential; everyone plays a meaningful role.
• We’re supportive. We value your life beyond work and strive to create an environment that respects balance and personal commitments.

• Compensation: $110,000 - $130,000 annually
• Eligibility to participate in Away’s Annual Company Performance Incentive Bonus Plan
• Equity grant: commensurate with level and company discretion
• Benefits overview including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off programs
• Employee discounts and product stipends
• Volunteer and charitable opportunities

This is an office-based position in our Soho, NYC office four days a week. Working hours are 9am–6pm ET with a flexible approach to work-life balance.

Away values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We are building a team that is global and diverse through initiatives like Employee Resource Groups, anti-racism training, and bias prevention.

Away is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information or disability. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance, contact