Director, Global Creative Packaging Design

Estée Lauder Companies; Blaine (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is a global beauty leader, overseeing brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, M•A•C, La Mer, Jo Malone London, and more.

The Director, Global Creative Packaging Design leads strategic packaging development across Aveda and Bumble and bumble, elevating brand equity, consumer experience, and business growth. Based in Blaine, MN, this hybrid role partners with Marketing, Product Development, and external vendors, driving innovative packaging from concept to production

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years packaging design experience in beauty or luxury sectors.
• BA or BFA in Industrial Design, Packaging Design or related field.
• Strong conceptual thinker with expertise in 3D visualization.
• Proven ability to lead packaging projects from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of primary and secondary packaging for Aveda and Bumble and bumble.
• Create innovative packaging concepts aligned with brand strategy and consumer insights.
• Develop mood boards, sketches, decks, 3D renders and physical mockups.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Packaging Development and Innovation teams.
• Establish packaging design standards and brand guidelines across categories.
• Mentor two direct reports and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

packaging design

creative leadership

visual storytelling

project management

conceptual thinking

Education

BA or BFA in Industrial Design or Packaging Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

SolidWorks

KeyShot

Autodesk Fusion

Rhino

Job description

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

Description

Title: Director, Global Creative Packaging Design

Department: Creative, Aveda and Bumble and bumble Global Creative Team

Location: Blaine, MN Hybrid (in office 4 days per week, Mon – Thurs)

Reports To: Vice President, Global Creative, Aveda and Bumble and bumble

Principal Objective: The Director, Global Creative Packaging Design leads the strategic creative development and execution of all Aveda and Bumble and bumble primary packaging, secondary packaging, gifting and collateral items. This role is responsible for driving innovative packaging solutions that elevate brand equity, enhance the consumer experience and support business growth across both brands.

Working closely with the Vice President, Global Creative, this individual will identify opportunities for packaging innovation, evolve brand packaging systems and ensure creative excellence across all product categories. The role serves as a key creative partner to Marketing, Product Development, Packaging Development and Innovation teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development and execution of all primary packaging, secondary packaging, gifting, promotional and collateral design across Aveda and Bumble and bumble.
• Create highly innovative packaging concepts and product designs that align with brand strategy, consumer insights and business objectives.
• Develop and present packaging concepts through mood boards, sketches, concept decks, 3D renderings, prototypes and physical models/comps.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Packaging Development and Innovation teams from concept through commercialization to create compelling and feasible packaging solutions.
• Collaborate on packaging form development, tooling considerations, material selection, color selection and manufacturing requirements to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the development process.
• Create and evaluate 3D packaging renderings and structural concepts to visualize new packaging opportunities and support executive presentations and decision-making.
• Drive innovation across packaging architecture, materials, decoration techniques, sustainability initiatives and consumer experience opportunities.
• Establish and maintain packaging design standards, visual systems and brand guidelines across all product categories.
• Oversee the design and production process for all packaging DTOs, artwork, mechanical development, renderings, retouching and final asset approvals.
• Partner with Marketing, Creative, Product Development, Packaging Development, and external vendors to deliver packaging solutions that balance creativity, functionality, cost and speed to market.
• Source and manage external design partners, comp houses, artists, illustrators and specialized vendors to support packaging innovation and execution.
• Attend press checks and production reviews to ensure the highest standards of design quality and execution.
• Identify emerging trends in beauty, fashion, industrial design, materials, sustainability and consumer packaging to inform future innovation opportunities.
• Manage and mentor two direct reports, fostering creative excellence, professional development and strong team performance.
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changing business priorities and timelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of packaging design experience, preferably within beauty, luxury, fashion or consumer packaged goods industries.
• BA or BFA in Industrial Design, Packaging Design, Graphic Design or related field.
• Strong conceptual thinker with exceptional design sensibility for form, structure, materials, color and visual storytelling.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural packaging design, package architecture and 3D visualization.
• Proven ability to ideate, develop, present and execute packaging projects from concept through production with a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Experience partnering with Product Development, Packaging Engineering, and Innovation teams to bring new products to market.
• Strong understanding of tooling, materials, decoration techniques and production constraints.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and advanced 3D modeling/rendering software including SolidWorks, Keyshot, Autodesk Fusion, Rhino or comparable platforms.
• Experience creating high-quality 3D renderings, 3D prints, prototypes and presentation materials for executive and stakeholder reviews.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, and managing creative talent.
• Strong understanding of competitive landscape, consumer trends, design innovation and sustainability within the beauty industry.

Pay Range

Anticipated Base Salary Range $120,000.00 to $180,000.00 (Depending on qualifications, skills, experience and/or budget), based on a 40 hour work week (range to be scaled accordingly). In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. In addition, the Company maintains highly competitive incentive compensation programs (role eligibility may vary based on terms of the respective plan(s)).

You may be eligible to participate in the applicable Commission/Bonus Plan, under the plan guidelines in effect at the time of hire. Additional details regarding the commission plan will be provided as part of your onboarding.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal-opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

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