R&D Packaging Specialist

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Specialist with a background in the cosmetics or personal care industry. This position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you will develop strategies to grow market share, enhance brand reputation, improve customer experience, and drive business growth.

The Packaging Specialist will own existing and custom packaging development across our portfolio of personal care products. This role will scope, innovate, procure and scale up packaging solutions for new products across all categories. You will be the main point of contact for your projects, both internally at Bright and externally with customers and vendors. You will serve as the AZ facilities technical expert in packaging. As part of the Research & Development team, you will collaborate closely with Operations, Marketing, and Sales to bring innovative products and packaging solutions to life in a scalable and efficient manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design and engineer innovative packaging solutions to enhance product functionality, maximize user experience, & focus on sustainability
• Conduct material and structural analysis to ensure packaging performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner with external vendors to ensure package designs can be effectively produced at scale.
• Drive the packaging R&D process for new products, collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Obtain physical packaging samples and lead the cross-functional approval process for all packaging.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to meet business objectives.
• In charge of Procurement for packaging components and negotiating better pricing.
• Set up library of suppliers, printers and components for existing and innovative packaging.
• Travel as needed to ensure successful launch and continued execution of projects, including attending line trials, validating packaging suppliers, and troubleshooting quality concerns as they arise.
• Oversee the execution of packaging tests and simulations to validate designs and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source and evaluate new packaging materials, delivery formats and technologies.
• Stay updated on industry trends, sustainability initiatives, and consumer preferences to drive continuous improvement in packaging design.

COMPETENCIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 5 years of proven experience in physical packaging development for a CPG brand, preferably in personal care.
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Design, Industrial Design, Science or in a related field.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, technologies, and sustainability practices.
• Proven experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Interest in health and wellness, personal care, and/or eCommerce industries.
• Someone who gets things done without perfect resources is innovative and works with a sense of urgency.
• Someone who has high standards takes ownership and is invested in the outcome.
• Someone who proactively helps others stays positive and has a good sense of humor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position functions on the production floor and therefore will experience characteristics commonly found in a manufacturing setting. Characteristics would include (but not limited to):

• frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position. The base days and hours are Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per day depending on shift assigned.

TRAVEL: Limited travel is expected for this position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging