Packaging Development Manager

Job Purpose

Lead end-to-end packaging development and procurement activities for cosmetic products, including sourcing, vendor development, cost optimization, artwork execution, and commercialization of packaging materials. The role requires strong technical expertise in cosmetic packaging as well as commercial and supplier management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Development

• Lead development of primary and secondary packaging formats including tubes, bottles, jars, rigid plastic components, pumps, droppers, glass containers, cartons, labels, and other cosmetic packaging formats.
• Drive packaging projects from concept design through development, qualification, and factory commercialization.
• Ensure packaging compatibility with product formulation, filling lines, and supply chain requirements.
• Validate packaging performance, machinability, filling-line suitability, and product integrity.
• Coordinate with design, marketing, R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams for successful packaging implementation.
• Execute packaging structure optimization and value engineering initiatives to improve functionality and reduce costs.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, develop, and onboard packaging material suppliers.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments covering quality systems, manufacturing capacity, compliance, and commercial competitiveness.
• Manage end-to-end procurement of packaging materials, especially for low- to medium-volume requirements.
• Lead commercial negotiations with vendors to achieve cost, quality, and service objectives.
• Validate packaging material costs and benchmark market pricing.
• Ensure continuity of supply and establish alternate sourcing strategies where required.

Artwork & Print Management

• Manage artwork development from design briefing through print-ready execution.
• Coordinate with agencies, printers, converters, and internal stakeholders for timely artwork approvals.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, branding, and print reproduction requirements.
• Monitor print quality and execution during production.

Cost & Sustainability Initiatives

• Drive annual cost-saving and productivity projects.
• Identify opportunities for material reduction, packaging optimization, and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Support initiatives related to recyclability, material substitution, and environmental sustainability.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

• Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging from Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) or equivalent qualification in Packaging Technology.

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in packaging development and procurement within the cosmetics, personal care, beauty, or FMCG industry.
• Proven expertise in cosmetic packaging formats and materials.
• Experience working with small- and medium-scale packaging suppliers and converters.
• Strong exposure to low-volume and customized packaging procurement.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• Plastic packaging(rigid and flexible)
• Tubes
• Pumps and dispensers
• Glass packaging
• Cartons and labels
• Printing technologies
• Artwork management
• Filling line compatibility and packaging validation
• Hands-on experience in packaging development, quality validation, commercialization, and supplier qualification.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Cross-functional collaboration and project management skills.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on cost optimization and value engineering.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

Preferred Industry: Cosmetics, Personal Care, Beauty Care, Skincare, Haircare, FMCG Packaging