Packaging Development Manager

About Us

Imagine the innovation and expertise behind the world’s leading cosmetic brands, brought to you by a distinguished Italian company with a legacy of excellence. Since 1972, Intercos Group has been at the forefront of color cosmetics, pencils, nail polish, skincare, and personal care products. We pride ourselves on being the only cosmetics manufacturer that combines top-tier quality and advanced technology with a global reach and a personalized touch.

With 16 commercial offices and 16 production facilities across 12 countries, Intercos Group brings a local approach to a global stage. We continually set the standard for beauty, crafting exceptional product lines for brands worldwide. As one of the largest suppliers in the cosmetics industry, we are a leading force in the research, development, and production of beauty products, shaping the future of the industry with every season.

Position Summary

The Packaging Development Manager leads and manages the design, development, and execution of customized primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for cosmetic products, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, brand identity, technical feasibility, and production capabilities. This role oversees the full packaging development lifecycle—from concept to final approval—while collaborating with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective packaging solutions.

Essential Functions

Project & Process Management

• Lead packaging development projects from customer request through final production, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Receive and review customer packaging requests from Marketing;
  verify accuracy, completeness, and feasibility.
• Develop detailed project timelines (retro-timing) in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Oversee sampling requests, including color samples, customized range boards, and prototypes.
• Coordinate the development of all packaging elements—primary, secondary, and tertiary—aligned with supplier capabilities and production schedules.
• Ensure all codification requirements are accurately completed to proceed with packaging orders.

Technical Development & Quality Control

• Finalize and release technical specifications to suppliers, ensuring QC approval and production readiness.
• Conduct aesthetic and dimensional checks on all developed products before customer submission.
• Work with suppliers to resolve any technical or production issues, proposing viable alternatives when necessary.
• Maintain close alignment with Quality Control, Procurement, and Production teams to ensure packaging performance and compliance with company standards.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as the main point of contact with packaging suppliers, managing technical discussions, negotiations, and performance reviews.
• Leverage supplier capabilities to achieve optimal outcomes for Intercos while maintaining competitive pricing and lead times.
• Stay informed of industry trends, materials innovations, and emerging technologies to recommend improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, R&D, Procurement, and Production teams to ensure packaging designs meet brand, functional, and manufacturing requirements.
• Support artwork approvals and liaise with suppliers to find technically feasible solutions for design challenges.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency, quality, and speed to market.
• Mentor and develop packaging team members, fostering a culture of innovation and attention to detail.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Minimum 5–7 years in packaging development, ideally within cosmetics, personal care, or consumer goods.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation experience.
• Proven experience managing packaging projects from concept to production.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Strong curiosity, creativity, and desire to innovate in packaging solutions.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to quality.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in packaging design software, CAD, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Job Benefits

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement Plans: 401(k) plan, often with company matching

Life Insurance: Coverage for employees in the event of death or disability

Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave, and personal days

Holidays: Paid company holidays and floating holidays

Professional Development: Training programs and opportunities for career advancement

Company Events: Team-building activities, social events, and company outings

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional issues.

EEO

Intercos Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We believe that a wide range of perspectives and experiences enhances our innovation and success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these characteristics. We are dedicated to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and promotes equal opportunity for all.