Senior Manager, Packaging Development

About this role

WHO WE ARE.

Glossier is a people-powered ecosystem, brought to life by engaging online and offline experiences. In 12 years, we have built an iconic brand that goes far beyond beauty. Our brand is built on trusted emotional connection, empathy, and consistency in how we show up for people every day. We are woven into everyday moments of people’s lives, becoming part of their routines, their self-expression, and their confidence. We are defined not just by what we make, but by how we make people feel and the relationships we build over time. Our north-star values are to be Human, Curious, Playful, and Helpful. We are driven by a shared mission to become the Most Loved Lifestyle Brand in the World.

THE FORMULA.

We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Packaging Development to bring thoughtful design, technical expertise, and operational discipline to the packaging our community reaches for every day.

As part of our Product Development team, you’ll own packaging development across a portfolio of programs spanning color cosmetics, skincare, sets, and fragrance. From translating creative concepts into manufacturable components to improving the packaging already in our customers’ hands, you’ll help ensure every detail delivers on the Glossier experience.

You’re an experienced packaging professional who can move confidently between the big picture and the technical details. You know how to assess feasibility, anticipate risks, challenge assumptions, and guide partners toward practical solutions. You bring structure to complex work and take pride in making both products and processes better. You’ll partner closely with Product Development, Creative, Marketing, Project Management, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Quality, along with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.

Packaging Development & Technical Ownership

• Own packaging development from concept and feasibility through tooling, qualification, commercialization, and launch across assigned new products, reformulations, seasonal programs, and existing product improvements in color cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance.

• Translate creative direction and product requirements into packaging solutions that balance customer experience, functionality, quality, cost, sustainability, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Lead technical feasibility assessments, evaluating materials, component construction, dispensing systems, tooling, assembly, development timelines, and production requirements.

• Establish packaging specifications, critical dimensions, tolerances, and performance requirements; review technical drawings and guide suppliers through development and approval.

• Lead packaging risk assessments and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), partnering with Product Development and Quality to establish appropriate compatibility, stability, transit, and performance testing.

• Evaluate test results, recommend technical solutions, and resolve packaging issues throughout development, scale-up, and production.

• Oversee component, artwork, proof, color standard, and range board approvals, ensuring alignment with approved specifications and design intent.

Program Execution & Supplier Partnership

• Independently manage multiple complex packaging programs, maintaining clear development plans, milestones, dependencies, and approval requirements.

• Serve as the primary packaging technical partner for suppliers and contract manufacturers, setting clear expectations and holding partners accountable for development deliverables.

• Identify risks early, communicate implications clearly, and recommend solutions that protect launch timing, quality, and agreed cost objectives.

• Lead packaging development reviews and communicate progress, decisions, and issues requiring escalation to cross-functional partners.

• Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain to assess supplier capabilities, tooling proposals, lead times, and cost tradeoffs.

• Support tooling trials, line trials, and initial production runs, confirming packaging performs as intended under manufacturing conditions.

Process Improvement & Portfolio Optimization

• Strengthen packaging development workflows, introducing practical tools, templates, and checkpoints that improve consistency, accountability, and speed.

• Own the accuracy and completeness of packaging specifications, component records, and bills of materials within Specright, establishing clear documentation and change-control practices.

• Identify opportunities to improve existing packaging through component standardization, material changes, manufacturing efficiencies, cost optimization, and quality improvements.

• Partner with Quality and suppliers on root-cause investigations and corrective actions for packaging issues, incorporating lessons learned into future development.

• Maintain an organized packaging reference library, including approved standards, supplier capabilities, materials, and emerging technologies.

• Evaluate packaging innovations and sustainability opportunities, recommending applications that are technically sound and relevant to Glossier’s products and priorities.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a trusted packaging subject matter expert, helping cross-functional partners understand technical considerations and make informed decisions.

• Guide and mentor colleagues through technical reviews, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.

• Bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to competing priorities, making clear recommendations and escalating decisions at the right time.

• Build strong working relationships across internal teams and external partners, creating shared accountability for successful execution.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MIX.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in packaging development or packaging engineering, including substantial experience in prestige beauty.

• Demonstrated expertise across color cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance…