About the Role
The Manager, Packaging Development leads the Packaging Development & Industrialization team of Product Operations. This role owns the technical delivery of every packaging launch, from brief to PPS and production readiness at suppliers and contract manufacturers, ensuring each launch is safe, on time, and proven. The role applies risk-based pathways, runs pilot-first development for new high-risk packs, and makes decisions based on evidence rather than on supplier statements.
Ready to apply for roles like this?
Unlock the company name and direct application link. Subscribers get instant access to fresh jobs across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, many with visa support.
Unlock employer & apply directly
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Launch Portfolio Delivery
- Own the technical delivery of the packaging launch portfolio, from brief to PPS.
- Review briefs early to provide feasibility, cost, timing, and risk input, issuing the pack brief alongside the formula brief.
- Allocate projects across the team based on complexity, risk, and capacity.
- Personally lead a selected set of the most complex, high-risk launches.
- Escalate any risk to launch date, quality, or cost early, with facts and options.
Risk-Based Development & Evidence
- Classify each project at the brief stage by its newness and provide a 1 to 5 risk score; propose the pathway (Fast Lane, Targeted, Full Pilot-First) for confirmation by Quality.
- For new, high-risk packs, run pilot molds, functional and compatibility tests, and line trials on pilot parts before production molds.
- Prepare the evidence for the Tech Assessment, Pilot Homologation, and GO PROD gates.
- Apply Specifications checkpoints in proportion to risk, with an owner, evidence, and sign-off for each.
- Define the test strategy and acceptance criteria in collaboration with Quality.
Packaging Engineering
- Own drawings, critical dimensions, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Lead functional analysis, DFMA, decoration feasibility, and formula/pack/process compatibility.
- Use proven platforms and supplier standards from Packaging R&D where fitting.
- Keep approved specifications up to date in Specright.
Industrialization & CM Readiness
- Lead tooling strategy and mold validation (T0 to T3) with suppliers.
- Confirm supplier and CM technical capability at the Tech Assessment.
- Organize and attend line trials; secure PPS on the final formula.
- Manage technical changes, deviations, and concessions through change control with Quality.
- Lead root cause and permanent fixes for design-origin issues; support Quality and the Crisis Cell on supply issues.
Leadership and Coaching
- Lead, coach, and develop packaging engineers and developers.
- Set clear ownership, standards, and a regular project review cadence.
- Maintain accurate project portfolio data for capacity decisions.
- Feed lessons learned into specifications, design rules, and Kaizen priorities.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Strategic Exposure
- Partner with Product Development, Marketing, Design, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Regulatory.
- Provide technical input on supplier choices, with Procurement leading RFQs and negotiations.
- Represent Packaging Development in launch reviews and at the Newness Committee when required.
- Contribute to value engineering and COGS savings without compromising critical risk.
Requirements
- Proven delivery of primary packs (e.g., mascara, gloss, compacts, closures, pumps) from brief to production at external suppliers and contract manufacturers.
- Strong command of technical drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and injection molding.
- Hands-on experience in mold validation, line trials, PPS, and packaging test methods.
- Solid knowledge of formula/pack compatibility and filling and assembly processes.
- Experience leading or coaching packaging engineers.
- Ability to review CAD models (SolidWorks or similar) and manage a project portfolio using a project tool (Asana or similar).
- Willingness to travel to suppliers and contract manufacturers in Europe and Asia.
- Track record of structured, evidence-based delivery, maintaining composure under pressure, and adapting to ambiguity and scale-up dynamics.
- 8+ years in packaging development, with significant experience in beauty, fragrance, or luxury sectors.
- Bachelor's/Master's in Packaging, Mechanical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering.
Benefits
- Monthly “Self Love Days” – at company discretion.
- Premium Medical/Dental/Vision coverage for employee plus dependents.
- Monthly coaching sessions with our in-house Success Coach.
- Employee discounts on all products.
- Quarterly product gifting.
The organization is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams and upholding an equal employment workplace free from discrimination, hiring stellar individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical conditions, disability, or veteran status. If you require reasonable accommodations at any point during the application or interview process, please inform us.
