Senior Engineer, Packaging & Sustainability
Summer Fridays
JOB TITLE: Senior Engineer, Packaging & Sustainability
REPORTS TO: Head of Product Development
DEPARTMENT: Product Development
OVERVIEW
The Senior Engineer of Packaging & Sustainability is responsible for the research and end-to-end development of innovative, brand-relevant, functional, and environmentally responsible packaging for Summer Fridays. They have a deep understanding of technical packaging development, experience fostering relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers, exceptional project management skills and thrive in a constantly evolving, fast-paced environment. They support the team in making informed decisions based on hard data and are comfortable thinking big while executing details flawlessly. They possess a knowledge and understanding of requirements for sustainable packaging, along with any associated risks and implications and communicate cross functionally to support decision making.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborates with Summer Fridays’ Founders, Product Development and Marketing on new product development
- Leads all packaging development projects for current and new Summer Fridays products/lines
- Manages packaging development timelines, ensuring that all critical launch milestones are met and information is communicated as necessary to key stakeholders
- Develops and fosters strong network of packaging suppliers
- Creates packaging briefs, manages quotes from suppliers, and initiates and oversees applicable product testing
- Creates packaging testing protocols and associated/cross-functional SOP’s
- Supports Quality team in creation of finished product specifications
- Develops eCommerce packaging/shipping solutions that can be used across various product combinations
- Works closely with Marketing to source, quote and procure merch materials (bags, set-up boxes, etc.) for product promotions
- Analyzes, determines needs and takes action to improve existing packaging within the assortment as necessary, to include form, function, and cost
- Works with Operations to create a supplier strategy which involves consolidation of current supply base for deeper relationships with greater leverage for cost savings and prioritization
- Reviews all artwork files for accuracy and completeness before handing off to print vendors
- Manages all packaging files (specifications, quotes, etc.) and artwork files
- Tracks and organizes all packaging samples for internal reviews, reference, and archive
- Other assignments/projects as necessary thoughtfully presenting and proposing packaging solutions based on brand fit, desired user experience, shelf-stability, production time, and cost
- Creates product cost sheets and BOM’s (in collaboration with Ops team) for new projects, ensuring margins meet target benchmarks
- Collaborates with PD, Operations and Quality teams during evaluation and execution phases to write & review trial protocols, conduct compatibility tests and oversee line trials
- Manages packaging sustainability efforts, working closely with applicable internal (Marketing, Operations, Sales) and external (retail partners, regulatory agencies, etc.) stakeholders to evolve the line and improve our carbon footprint
- Partners with PACT Collective to educate cross functional teams on sustainability requirements to support “How to Recycle” directions for consumers based on packaging formats (to be executed within website, p pages or social as desired)
- Reviews all current inline componentry specifications and identifies any changes required for sustainability requirements (whether retailer or market mandated) and creates a roadmap for implementation
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of packaging development experience in CPG or Beauty (skincare knowledge highly desired)
- BA/BS in Packaging Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent
- Solid knowledge of the prestige beauty market and a passion for products, packaging and how they work together
- Understanding of packaging sustainability and global compliance
- Exceptional project management experience
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks with precision and detail
- Demonstrable experience working closely with packaging vendors, contract manufacturers, operations and marketing teams
- Demonstrable experience working with cross-functional teams
- Solid problem-solving skills, analytical skills and business acumen
- Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal skills
- Flexible personality to take on new challenges as they come and to switch gears immediately when necessary
- Strong working knowledge of MS Suite products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management platforms
- Based in Los Angeles, CA