Package Development Director

HOURGLASS COSMETICS — Director, Package Development  (Hybrid Role) 

Connected by creativity and driven by purpose. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, redefining luxury cosmetics with high-performance products, innovative formulas, and award-winning franchises. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with its breakthrough products and its commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is globally available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Space NK and more. Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division in 2017. Discover more about the Hourglass brand story and mission on our website hourglasscosmetics.com.

The Director of Package Development works collaboratively with the Founder, Product Development, and related cross-functional teams, to develop and execute new color and skincare products from concept through launch. This leadership role manages and supports a team with a solution-oriented and strategic approach to ensure projects meet the intended design, quality, cost, risk, sustainability, functionality, and manufacturability objectives.  

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Conduct comprehensive feasibility assessments for new packaging concepts and components, evaluating functionality, manufacturability, cost, tooling requirements, development timelines, technical risks, and global consistency.
• Identify, communicate, and resolve project timeline challenges; provide regular milestone updates and proactively escalate technical or scheduling risks to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide engineering technical support, expertise, and guidance to the Packaging team. 
• Drive risk mitigation throughout development and validation by partnering cross-functionally to conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions that support project success.
• Source and develop both stock and custom primary and secondary packaging solutions, creating detailed supplier briefs and technical specifications.
• Review, approve, and manage technical drawings, component submissions, and packaging specifications to ensure components meet quality, fit, form function, and aesthetic expectations. 
• Create, maintain, and manage Bill of Materials and review/approve fill & assembly instructions.
• Manage artwork development processes, including initiating artwork requests and reviewing files for technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and production readiness prior to release.
• Lead packaging validation and testing activities, including compatibility, transit, drop, and performance testing; analyze results and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Develop packaging test protocols, validation plans, and cross-functional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support quality and operational excellence. 
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and production teams to ensure packaging feasibility, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and support line trials, pilot runs, and commercial production. 
• Research and identify innovative packaging formats, sustainable materials, decoration techniques, and emerging technologies that align with brand objectives and business goals.
• Liaises with Quality and Operations determine root cause, resolution and finding alternatives as needed. 
• Coordinate and manage the development of photo-ready, retailer, and internal meeting comps for NPD. 
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships through regular engagement, business reviews, and attendance at industry trade shows and supplier meetings. 
• Manage packaging activities across all stages of product development, including concept evaluation, sourcing, development, sampling, validation, commercialization, line support, and resourcing initiatives.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF:

• You are a SELF-STARTER: You thrive in autonomy and are motivated to take initiative.
• You are DETAIL ORIENTED: You appreciate the importance of having detailed and precise information with an impeccable eye for aesthetics.
• You are a strong COMMUNICATOR and COLLABORATOR: You work and communicate effectively with all members of the organization, from individual contributors to executive team.
• You are extremely ORGANIZED: You are not overwhelmed by the thought of tackling multiple tasks.
• You are RESULTS-ORIENTED. You have a bias for action. When problems arise, you reliably produce responses and thoughtful solutions.
• You are METICULOUS and ACCURATE. You take pride in being careful and precise with your work.
• You are STRATEGIC and ADAPTIVE: You can efficiently anticipate, identify and articulate problems in real time. Extremely agile.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 10 years of package development experience.
• BA/BS in Packaging Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent. 
• Solid knowledge of the prestige/luxury beauty market and a passion for products, packaging and how they work together. 
• Understanding of packaging sustainability and global compliance. 
• Technical competency in analysis of geometric objects in 2 and 3 dimensions including understanding of clearances, fit and finish of packaging components and subcomponents.
• Comprehensive knowledge of materials used in the construction and manufacturing of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging including knowledge of decorating techniques and materials used on primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of test methods used to validate component/package performance. 
• Highly adaptable and flexible to change with the ability to quickly switch gears. 
• Exceptional project management experience. 
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks with precision and detail. 
• Solid problem-solving skills, analytical skills and business acumen. 
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong working knowledge of MS Suite products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management platforms. 
• Must be able to work from Corporate Office at least 60% of the time.

The expected base salary range for this position is $135,000 to $145,000 per year. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget.

This position is also eligible for participation in the company discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results.

In addition to base salary, Hourglass Cosmetics offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company match, paid family leave, education-related programs, paid holidays, discretionary vacation time, and more.

Hourglass is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive its business results and to create a better future every day for its diverse employees, global consumers, partners and communities. If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation in order to apply for a job listing, please contact us at 310-392-7799 or careers@hourglasscosmetics.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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