Client Overview: Our client, a beauty brand, is seeking an Associate Director of Packaging Design to join their team. This is an ongoing contract.
Role Overview: In this role, you will lead the creation of innovative and visually compelling packaging solutions that align with brand identity, manufacturing capabilities, timelines, and budget constraints. You will manage multiple projects spanning several brands, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including Innovation, Creative Design, Project Management, Product Development, Packaging Development, and Operations.
Associate Director of Packaging Design Responsibilities:
- Design disruptive and elevated packaging concepts that maintain technical accuracy and aesthetic appeal across multiple beauty brands.
- Stay ahead of beauty trends to develop eye-catching packaging for products, PR kits, social media campaigns, swag, and brand collaborations.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials such as plastic and glass components to ensure feasibility and quality.
- Utilize expertise in printing techniques for both primary and secondary packaging materials.
- Lead initiatives aimed at cost reduction through optimization of packaging processes without compromising quality.
- Champion sustainability efforts by promoting material reduction, use of recycled resins, and other environmental targets.
- Ensure packaging design alignment with established harmonized design principles.
- Build strong internal partnerships across innovation, marketing, new product development, and operations teams to drive project success.
- Manage day-to-day package development activities and coordinate closely with design teams and international partners to track sample progress and modifications.
- Provide leadership that fosters teamwork, professional growth, and technical excellence within the packaging design function.
Associate Director of Packaging Design Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Design or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in high-volume, deadline-driven environments; experience in prestige beauty packaging preferred.
- Strong typography skills with a refined eye for detail.
- Technical proficiency in beauty packaging materials and manufacturing processes including plastics and glass molding.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with designers, engineers, vendors, and cross-functional teams globally.
- Adept at problem-solving with the ability to quickly devise manufacturing solutions under tight deadlines.
- Deep understanding of sustainability best practices relevant to packaging design.
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop; AI software experience is advantageous.
- Keen awareness of current fashion, beauty, design, and digital trends to inspire innovative packaging concepts.