Director, Packaging Development - Fenty

LVMH; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

LVMH in San Francisco is seeking a Director, Packaging Development – Fenty to lead high-quality, cost-effective packaging design and execution. You will manage concept ideation, component development, testing, and manufacturing with a focus on sustainable, scalable solutions.

The role requires 10+ years in cosmetics packaging, GMP knowledge, and strong leadership. This hybrid position supports collaboration with Marketing, Creative, and Product Development teams, based at our SF office.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in package development/engineering in a best-in-class beauty company.
• Proven track record of success and broad understanding of cosmetics packaging.
• Strong GMP knowledge.
• Strategic developer as well as hands-on problem solver.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Guide technical, aesthetic, and cost aspects of the design process, including concept ideation and 3D design.
• Oversee all projects (sellable, non-sellable, samples, accessories) across packaging.
• Evaluate feasibility on design, COGS, manufacturing capabilities and timing.
• Identify suitable suppliers based on project requirements and cost impacts.
• Oversee packaging tooling, testing, and line trials with risk assessments.
• Lead packaging development initiatives and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Packaging engineering

GMP knowledge

People management

3D design

Analytical thinking

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

BS degree in Packaging Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

3D design

Job description

Kendo Holdings, Inc. is a San Francisco-based beauty brand developer and wholesaler owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury group. A play on the words "can do", Kendo has become the hub of creativity and next generation beauty product development for global Sephora channels and selective retailers outside of Sephora.

Through original development, collaborations and acquisitions the Kendo stable of brands will always be creative, inspiring and innovative. A dynamic engine of speed, expertise and market-savvy, the Kendo team continues to redefine the beauty industry through great product, great storytelling, great retail and direct-to-consumer partnerships. This shows up in everything we do and in what we stand for:

• "Can Do" Spirit: We work together to make our wildest dreams a reality: As entrepreneurs, we embrace optimism and find creative ways to reach our goals
• Advocacy, Diversity, and Inclusion: We recognize and celebrate the full spectrum of personal identities. We create safe spaces so everyone's voice is heard. We listen with humility and act with courage.
• Storytelling: We tell authentic stories like no, one else. It’s our key to inspire trust and build relationships, rallying, our people, partners, and consumers around our brands.
• Resilience: We embrace challenges as opportunities. Change is ever- constant, and agility is our strength.
• Product Excellence: We put the consumers first: We constantly raise the bar to create products of the highest quality that everyone just has to have.

The salary range for this position is $168,00 - $205,000 per year. Offered salary is dependent upon experience and San Francisco location. This is a hybrid role based in our downtown San Francisco office – Tues through Thursday in-office, with Monday and Friday remote.

Kendo Total Rewards offerings also include an annual bonus anda comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental and vision insurance, flex paid time off program, parental leave, employee discount/perks, a retirement plan with employer contributions, Summer Fridays, opportunity to work from anywhere for two weeks during the calendar year and December wellness/shutdown week for applicable positions.

The Kendo house of brands currently includes:Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Eau de Parfum, Fenty Hair, Ole Henriksen, Lip Lab.

SUMMARY

The Director, Packaging Development – Fenty will develop high quality, cost effective, fun and innovative packaging while exceeding internal expectations where possible. Responsibilities include concept ideation, component development, package testing and manufacturing execution.

Job responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development

• Guide technical, aesthetic & cost aspects of the design process, including concept ideation and 3D design
• Oversees all projects of all types (sellable, non-sellable, samples, accessories)
• Execute feasibility on design, COGS, manufacturing capabilities and timing
• Identify suitable suppliers based on project requirements
• Aware of cost impact of each component or methods of production
• Continue to evolve packaging aesthetics in coordination with Packaging Design
• Oversee color/deco submissions, standards, and range boards
• Resolve packaging related quality issues
• Follow and resolve packaging related timeline challenges
• Review and approve technical drawings
• Lead packaging tooling efforts
• Oversee packaging testing, analyze test results and assess associated risk
• Oversee line trials, fill wts, and component/assembly specs

Artwork

• Issue label claim, dieline, recycling codes and UPC for artwork
• Artwork proofing for packaging related elements
• Maintain component specification and fill assembly instructions
• Support regional and QA package data inquiry

General

• Lead and execute resourcing and cost savings initiatives
• Interface with Marketing, Creative, Operations and Product Development departments
• Understand cosmetic product and packaging manufacturing processes
• Participate in the development of new package development processes and systems
• Develop and maintain a professional knowledge of new or emerging trends in packaging technology
• Drive towards sustainability initiatives

Managerial

• Potentially oversee more than one brand
• Manage, lead, and train an effective team of 2-5 packaging developers
• Leads various meetings and discussions, both internal and external
• Has a strategic view beyond just packaging

Profile

REQUIREMENTS

• BS degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience in package development/engineering with a best-in-class beauty company
• Proven track record of success and a broad understanding of cosmetics packaging
• Demonstrated history of successful cooperation and working relationships with Creative, Marketing, Product Development, and Operations
• Strong GMP knowledge
• Strategic developer as well as hands-on problem solver
• Strong independent and analytical thinking skills
• Excellent team player with strong relationship building skills
• Readily accepts and embraces change, comfortable navigating through ambiguity
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Excellent communication skills, to be able to deal effectively with all levels of the organization and suppliers
• Excellent organizational skills to manage the documentation, materials, samples and information
• Solid record of people management, effectively developing and leading a team of Packaging Developers

Crafting Dreams Starts With Yours

At LVMH, people make the difference in the art of crafting dreams. Our people fuel our dynamic, entrepreneurial culture. We value collective ambitions, encouraging our talents to push boundaries and champion a curious, audacious state of mind. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in nurturing every individual with a growth mindset and development opportunities, consistently empowering them to reach their full potential. We are actively committed to positive impact through an inclusive environment that supports and gives back to our talented community. Join us at LVMH, where your talent is at the heart of our collective successes.