Internally titled: Packaging Specialist
Location: 530 West Broadway, Vancouver BC, Canada / Burnaby, Lake City View, BC, Canada
Core hours: Monday to Friday from 8am – 4:30pm PST
Hybrid Role: We value collaboration, both in-person and remotely. This position is classified as Hybrid under our Hybrid Work Program Policy, where this position is required to be onsite 3-4 days per week
Role Summary
The Packaging Development Specialist is responsible for leading the development and execution of innovative, on-brand packaging solutions across Eminenceās professional and retail product portfolios. This role oversees packaging initiatives from concept through launch, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and alignment with brand standards.
The Packaging Development Specialist serves as the primary cross-functional packaging expert, collaborating closely with Brand, Innovation, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external vendors to drive packaging strategy, select new componentry, and implement technical specifications. This role guides testing protocols, evaluates new packaging technologies, and ensures all packaging meets functional, aesthetic, and sustainability objectives.
Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Vendor Management
- Manage the overall development and sourcing of primary and secondary packaging solutions that elevate the Eminence brand, bringing creative solutions based on research and industry knowledge.
- Define and manage Packaging Development Workstream and related packaging processes (SOPs)
- Approve componentry technical specifications, packaging assembly technical specifications, range boards and assembly instructions for product launches and non-launches initiatives for both primary and secondary packaging.
- Manage costing of all primary and secondary packaging including vendor negotiations (e.g., MOQs).
- Lead and manage all packaging vendor relations and maintain positive working relationships.
- Work with Brand and Innovation Hubs to align on packaging briefing for primary and secondary packaging including shape, material & decoration requirements and implications (e.g. functionality, timing, cost, sustainability impact).
- Lead the vendor selection process (packaging sourcing) to meet the packaging brief in terms of functionality, desired user experience, size, material and decoration.
- Field and respond to escalated Product Knowledge packaging questions in collaboration with the Senior Brand Manager, Innovation and Communications as needed.
- Assess and quantify impact of sustainable packaging options within the portfolio.
- Identify emerging packaging technologies and trends and present findings to Brand and Innovation Hubs to improve customer experience, brand presence, product performance, cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
Planning, Meetings & Project Management
- Own packaging project plans, milestones and deliverables for launch and non-launch projects and contribute to ongoing project critical paths.
- Partner with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Supply Chain, to assess project impact, determine hard-stop versus phase-in requirements, and establish run-out and changeover dates for change management projects.
- Ensure throughout the project that packaging deadlines are met, and packaging is delivered on time and on budget. Troubleshoot as needed.
- Maintain high level of coordination and communication with cross-functional teams regarding milestones, progress, and challenges.
- Hold meetings with vendors as needed.
- Travel to tradeshows and other industry events as required.
- Contribute to ongoing project critical paths and tasks within larger projects for launch and non-launch initiatives.
- Work with the Innovation Team on the creation and management of the SKU list related to component inputs.
Packaging Testing Quality
- Define and maintain packaging testing strategies for primary and secondary packaging including quality plans for control stage.
- Create componentry technical specifications and instructions for assembly for both primary and secondary packaging.
- Define and manage packaging development and packaging testing methodologies including user testing activities: prepare and distribute samples, provide user instructions, and gather feedback.
- Identify packaging challenges or opportunities and bring clear and executable recommendations and action plans for how to address needs.
- Manage the negotiation with new and existing packaging vendors in terms of testing methodologies, quality plans, AQLs, etc. to ensure the best packaging quality.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in packaging design, packaging development, or a related role, preferably in beauty, skincare, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
- Experience managing the end-to-end packaging lifecycle from concept and design through prototyping, testing, production, and launch, including interpreting technical drawings, component specifications, die lines, and assembly requirements.
- Experience sourcing and managing packaging vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
- Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements for labeling, materials, and packaging compliance is an asset.
- Proven ability to lead projects requiring coordination across stakeholders such as Innovation, Marketing, Supply Chain, and external vendors.
Total Rewards
- Competitive salary, quarterly and annual bonuses based on individual and company goals
- 100% employer-paid premiums for extended health, health spending account, wellness program, green transportation incentive, various paid time-off options available from your first day, and product discounts
- Focus on professional development, 1:1 meetings with your leader, tuition assistance program and length of service rewards
