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