Packaging Engineering Manager

About rhode: rhode is a line of curated skincare essentials. Formulated for a variety of skin types and needs with high performance ingredients, it’s a daily routine that nourishes your skin barrier over time.

rhode is seeking a dynamic and driven technical Packaging Engineering Manager to join our team and support our rapidly scaling business. This role will be pivotal in advancing our commitment to sustainability, challenging conventional approaches, and delivering innovative, cutting-edge packaging development solutions that align with our brand vision. Reporting directly to the Director of Package Development, this person will be responsible for driving impactful packaging processes to ensure scalability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

We are assessing talent up to Senior Manager level.

Key Responsibilities:

Execute the development and qualification of a wide range of primary, secondary & tertiary packaging solutions that meet the needs for brand aesthetics, consumer use, manufacturing capability, quality, and cost.

Understand and execute the packaging development process from concept to counter with minimal direction from leadership

Support the ideation, development, feasibility, and implementation of new and improved packages and processes including package design, stock packaging, prototype development, engineering specifications, minor custom mold qualification, functionality, and quality testing.

Support and lead operations cost savings and efficiency initiatives, and quality investigations towards continuous improvement.

Fully own technical milestones for new development.

Troubleshoot technical issues (supplier, plant, distribution, quality, etc.)

Share and escalate roadblocks cross-functionally

Create package component specifications, Bills of Materials, and Fill & Assembly specifications

Collaborate with Marketing and Design on establishing feasibility for new packaging initiatives/concepts.

Review and approve artwork for new/maintenance SKUs.

Create decoration production standards to align with Design and Marketing expectations and ensure execution during the molding and decorating process constraints

Understand and conduct package testing procedures and standards to support the effective design, validation, and implementation of new packages and packaging technology

Coordinate line trials to ensure package performance for manufacturing.

Attend component and manufacturing startups as needed to ensure proper execution of design & function.

Develop and manage partnerships with external suppliers and manufacturers.

Drive sustainability initiatives.

Support leading implementation of new processes and systems cross-functionally.

Research new or emerging packaging trends and technologies.

Who You Are:

Passionate about the beauty industry

Detail oriented, meticulously organized, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Self-motivated, takes initiative, and looks for ways to improve processes

Strong communicator and relationship builder, adept at working cross-functionally

Adaptable and resilient, comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s of Science Degree preferably in Packaging Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or other related field

5+ years of experience in Package Engineering or a related field

Must have beauty/ personal care industry experience; start-up / founder led brand experience - a plus

Proven track record of developing creative packaging solutions

Other Details for Consideration:

Location of Position: Los Angeles, California

Must be a commutable distance to office in Los Angeles

In office position: Must be able to work 4+ days a week in office

Ability to travel 15% of the time or more

Compensation:

Manager level - 110k - 130k annual

Sr. Manager level -130k - 160k annual

rhode, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The Company recruits, hires, trains, promotes, pays, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities in accordance with all legal requirements. Any applicant who requires assistance with the application or resulting process should contact People & Culture () to request that accommodation.