Creative Operations Manager, Packaging

Aquent; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a Program Manager, Packaging to lead end-to-end global packaging initiatives for saleable products, CRM, and Education across a premier global beauty brand. You will partner with Creative and Marketing to ensure concept through production runs smoothly while maintaining timelines and budgets.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of PM experience in-house or agency settings, strong Wrike skills, and a collaborative leadership style.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in-house or agency.
• Experience leading global packaging campaigns and cross-functional projects.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end packaging projects from concept to production.
• Coordinate with Creative, Product Marketing, CRM and partners.
• Define timelines, resource plans, and status reporting.

Skills

Project management

Creative collaboration

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Wrike

Job description

Are you a master of creative logistics who thrives at the intersection of design, strategy, and production? We are seeking a high-energy, detail-obsessed Program Manager, Packaging to lead end-to-end global packaging initiatives for saleable products, CRM, and Education across a premier global beauty brand.

You are the ultimate problem solver: someone who grasps the big-picture strategy without losing sight of the smallest design details. You speak fluent project management-timelines, scope, resource allocation, and budget, and you love partnering closely with creatives (even if you don't want to be one yourself).

Key Responsibilities

• Drive End-to-End Packaging: Lead packaging projects from initial concepting through final production, including copy, layout, retouching, proofs, and printed samples.
• Master the Workflow: Establish, facilitate, and maintain seamless communication between Creative, Product Marketing, CRM, and cross-functional partners.
• Keep the Engine Running: Define project scopes, build detailed timelines (via Wrike or similar tool), allocate weekly resources, track issues, and distribute status reports.
• Lead the Room: Facilitate key meetings, present creative work to senior leadership, and align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Navigate Complexity: Solve problems with a solutions-first approach, resolve conflicts, and adapt seamlessly to shifting business priorities and ambiguous situations.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 5+ years of project management experience within an in-house creative team or agency, specifically handling global campaign and packaging project management.
• Tech Savvy: Hands-on experience with project management tools like Wrike, along with deep knowledge of creative workflows and operational infrastructure.
• Business Acumen: Familiarity with developing contracts, Statements of Work (SOWs), and managing external vendor or client relationships.
• Natural Leadership: Outstanding communication and negotiation skills with a track record of building true partnerships across Creative and Marketing teams.
• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Iconic Brands: Work alongside industry-leading creative talent shaping global beauty packaging.
• Hybrid Flexibility: A balanced schedule with 3 days in our modern NYC office (Tues-Thurs) and 2 days remote.
• Impact: Direct ownership over high-visibility product touchpoints from concept to store shelves worldwide.