Executive Director, Packaging Design & Development

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. We are leaders, permanently inquisitive, category obsessed, incredibly diverse, self-demanding, true team players, and we are all Brazilian in Spirit.

Headquartered in New York and launched as a digitally native brand, we have expanded globally with teams in Rio, Paris, London, and Germany. Our commitment to excellence has earned us prestigious honors, including TIME100's 2024 Most Influential Company, Fast Company's 2024 World's Most Innovative Companies and 2023 Brands that Matter, Allure's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, and WWD's 2023 Beauty Inc Award in the Prestige category. These accolades highlight our dedication to being a leading brand in the beauty industry and an exceptional workplace.

This role will lead packaging design and development 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 development and design, 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 VP of Product, ESG, and Regulatory.

Position Description:

The Executive Director of Packaging Design & Development will lead the end-to-end process of packaging creation for all product categories and channels, inclusive of both design and engineering. The Executive Director will ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, differentiated packaging solutions that align with the company's standards and strategic objectives, particularly in the areas of sustainability and disruptive innovation. This role also entails managing and growing teams, engaging with external partners, and overseeing departmental functions including budget management, staffing, performance management, and career development.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Act as a key contributor to strategic initiatives, providing leadership and expert insights into packaging risks and opportunities.
• Develop and implement packaging strategies that support the company's innovation pipeline, sustainability goals, and international growth.
• Leads strategic packaging initiatives in collaboration with cross functional partners to identify and qualify new vendors and support the global Sourcing and Procurement strategy
• Create and maintain near-term and long-term packaging design strategies and plans in partnership with Global Product Marketing and Creative
  
  

Departmental Management:

• Oversee the department's budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effective operations.
• Create and maintain tooling budget in support of Operations
• Develop and execute staffing plans to support the department's goals and the company's 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 both within the packaging and design departments and cross-functionally to enhance the overall function of the team and the organization
• Identify opportunities and create framework and processes to outsource for agility, including utilizing design agencies, vendor development capabilities, and other strategic partners.
  
  

Development Oversight and Leadership:

• Oversee the design and development of all new packaging ensuring it meets uniqueness, aesthetic, quality, functionality, sustainability, cost, and manufacturability objectives.
• Support direct reports in problem solving and troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Collaborate across functions and with external partners to streamline development processes and ensure collaboration and communication with key stakeholders.
• Drive the packaging innovation agenda by exploring new materials, technologies, processes, and partners.
• Review development programs for opportunities to meet aggressive timelines, including turnkey and stock solutions, in additional to custom tooling.
• Lead risk assessment efforts, communicating potential risks and mitigation strategies to key stakeholders and senior leadership.
  
  

Innovation and Collaboration:

• Cultivate a culture of innovation within the team, encouraging the exploration and integration of new concepts, technologies, and packaging solutions.
• Partner with the Global Product Marketing team to identify and implement innovative ideas into the product launch calendar.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration, communication, and successful packaging initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes to continually refine and enhance packaging solutions.
  
  

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. Analyzes industry trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities to identify key opportunities and challenges. Develops high-impact strategies that optimize resources, improve efficiency, and drive business performance. Ensures alignment between day-to-day operations and the company's vision, guiding the organization to achieve both immediate and future goals.
• Embraces and Initiates Change: Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation, recognizing when to challenge the status quo. Demonstrates the courage and foresight to lead transformative changes that drive business success, even in uncertain or ambiguous environments. Anticipates potential resistance and navigates it by clearly communicating the rationale behind changes, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders. Encourages adaptability and flexibility within teams, fostering a culture where change is seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a disruption. Actively leads by example, embracing change and ensuring change management is implemented effectively and with minimal disruption.
• Operates with Agility: Embraces a flexible and adaptive approach to work, thriving in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Continuously seeks to improve processes and strategies by being open to new ideas, iterative learning, and quick feedback loops. Encourages teams to pivot when necessary, responding rapidly to changes in market trends, business needs, and technology advancements. Promotes a culture of experimentation, where small-scale testing and fast failure are viewed as learning opportunities. Ensures that decision-making remains swift and data-driven, without sacrificing long-term goals or quality. Leads by example, fostering resilience and the ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining focus on delivering value to the business and its stakeholders.
• Builds Collaborative Relationships: Fosters a culture of trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity by actively engaging with colleagues across functions, departments, and levels. Builds strong, productive relationships that enhance teamwork and drive cross-functional success. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives and encourages open communication to solve problems, share ideas, and achieve common goals. Proactively seeks out and leverages the strengths of others, both internally and externally, to create solutions that benefit the organization as a whole. Balances personal accountability with a commitment to team success, breaking down silos to promote an environment where shared responsibility leads to superior outcomes.
• 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. Tailors communication to diverse audiences, balancing the need for detail with accessibility, whether speaking to technical teams, senior leadership, or external stakeholders. Provides regular updates on key initiatives, decisions, and challenges, fostering trust and transparency. Encourages open dialogue and actively listens, creating an environment where feedback is valued and acted upon. Proactively addresses concerns and potential misunderstandings, ensuring that all team members are aligned and informed. Demonstrates accountability through clear communication, helping to build a culture of openness and collaboration across the organization.
  
  

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• 15+ years' experience in packaging development in the beauty and/or CPG industry. Skincare, Fragrance, and OTC experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering required. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Proven track record of successful leadership at the department level, 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
  
  

Salary Range

$225,000—$240,000 USD

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.

The information contained herein is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee, as these may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

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.

https://soldejaneiro.com/pages/privacy-policy-sol-de-janeiro