Director, Packaging Development - Sol de Janeiro : Job Details

Launched in 2015, SOL DE JANEIRO is an award-winning, fast-growing premium global lifestyle beauty brand inspired by the beauty rituals and attitude of the beaches of Rio. Our brand purpose is to spark endless self-celebration and joy through the power and warmth of the Brazilian spirit.This philosophy extends from our products to our corporate culture.

This role will lead the packaging development team to support the hypergrowth and rapid global expansion of the brand. A dynamic, innovation-minded leader who loves the cross-functional nature and complexity of packaging development, thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading and developing a team, and excels in a passionate, collaborative culture would be successful in this role.

The position will report to the Executive Director, Packaging Design + Development.

Position Description:

The Director, Packaging Development will lead the end-to-end process of packaging creation for all product categories and channels. The Director will ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, differentiated packaging solutions that align with global brand and regulatory standards. This role also entails managing and growing teams, working closely with key internal stakeholders, engaging with external partners, and overseeing department operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Department Management:

• Manage the department's budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effective operations.
• Create and maintain tooling budget in partnership with Procurement.
• Develop and execute staffing plans to support the department's goals and growth trajectory.
• Lead performance management efforts, providing mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities to ensure team members meet technical and professional growth targets.
• Assess, develop, and implement processes and procedures in the packaging department and cross-functionally to enhance the overall function of the team and the organization.
• Identify opportunities to strategically outsource for agility, including utilizing vendor development capabilities, turnkey providers, and stock components.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative working environment that promotes communication, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Development Oversight and Leadership:

• Lead the end-to-end design, testing, and validation of new packaging systems to ensure packaging designs are robust and reliable throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through material selection, packaging standardization, and continuous improvements in partnership with Procurement and Product Engineering.
• Collaborate across functions and with external partners as part of the NPL process, including Product Development, Product Engineering, ESG, Packaging Design, Global Product Marketing, Global Regulatory Affairs, Project Management, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and others.
• Support direct reports in problem solving and troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Drive the packaging innovation agenda by exploring new materials, technologies, processes, partners, and being up to date on innovation, trends, and technological advances in packaging science.
• Identify solutions to meet aggressive timelines, including turnkey and stock solutions, in addition to custom tooling.
• Partnering with Quality, Operations, and Product Engineering, identify and validate new contract manufacturing partners to support and expand manufacturing capabilities.
• In partnership with Procurement and Operations, support new component vendor identification and validation to ensure supply chain agility.
• Other duties as assigned, according to the changing needs of the business.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Thinks Strategically: Takes a holistic view of the business, aligning operational decisions with overarching company objectives and long-term growth strategies.
• Embraces and Initiates Change: Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation, recognizing when to challenge the status quo.
• Operates with Agility: Embraces a flexible and adaptive approach to work, thriving in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
• Builds Collaborative Relationships: Fosters a culture of trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity by actively engaging with colleagues across functions, departments, and levels.
• Communicates in a Clear and Transparent Manner: Delivers information in a straightforward, concise, and honest way, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding across all levels of the organization.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in packaging development in the beauty and/or CPG industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role with direct reports. Skincare, Fragrance, and OTC experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering required. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Proven track record of successful leadership of packaging teams, including experience leading and developing a growing team comprised of various levels of contributor.
• In-depth knowledge of the intersection between package engineering and package design.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical teams.
• Proven ability to deliver results on time and with excellence.
• Experience in effectively and collaboratively working with contract manufacturers and component vendors.
• Excellent leadership skills, fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Some travel required.
• Hybrid – NYC/Metro.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

Sol de Janeiro is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.