Director, Packaging Development

About the Role

The Director, Packaging Development is responsible for leading the end-to-end packaging development process across all product categories, ensuring innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective packaging solutions from concept through commercialization. This role partners closely with Product Development, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain, and external manufacturing partners to deliver best-in-class packaging that elevates the consumer experience while meeting business, regulatory, and operational objectives. The ideal candidate combines strong technical packaging expertise with strategic leadership, project management excellence, supplier management experience, and a passion for premium brand execution.

• Lead the development, sourcing, and commercialization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, including saleable products, samples, testers, and collateral materials.
• Drive packaging innovation, sustainability initiatives, cost optimization, quality improvements, and supply chain efficiency projects.
• Identify and evaluate new materials, technologies, suppliers, and dual-source opportunities to support business growth and brand differentiation.

• Manage packaging development programs from concept through production launch, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are achieved.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure packaging solutions meet manufacturability, functionality, consumer safety, regulatory, and business requirements.
• Proactively assess risks, develop mitigation plans, and communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with packaging suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external partners.
• Lead sourcing activities, pricing negotiations, cost modeling, and packaging-related procurement support.
• Identify and execute cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining product quality and brand standards.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of packaging specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), production standards, assembly instructions, and master packaging data.
• Ensure accurate packaging documentation and compliance requirements are maintained across internal systems and external partners.
• Support global markets and retail partners with required packaging documentation and technical information.

• Oversee artwork review, proofing, approval, and release processes to ensure packaging aligns with brand and regulatory requirements.
• Approve production samples and support successful launch readiness activities.
• Lead resolution of packaging-related quality issues and ensure consistent execution of packaging specifications throughout production.

• Serve as the packaging subject‑matter expert and strategic partner across Product Development, Marketing, Creative, Planning, and Procurement.
• Foster strong collaboration across internal and external stakeholders to deliver best‑in‑class packaging solutions that enhance the consumer experience and support business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 6‑10 years of progressive packaging development experience, preferably within the fragrance or consumer goods industry.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing packaging development teams and cross‑functional projects.
• Strong expertise in packaging materials, manufacturing processes, decoration techniques, and package engineering.
• Experience managing suppliers, contract manufacturers, and global sourcing initiatives.
• Proven track record of successfully commercializing packaging from concept through launch.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with BOM management, packaging specifications, and COGS calculations.

$160,000 - $180,000 per year with annual bonus potential.

NEST New York is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.