R&D Packaging Development Manager

Wella Operations US LLC; Morris Plains, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and PTO

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Wella Company in Morris Plains, NJ, seeks an R&D Packaging Development Manager to lead end-to-end packaging ideation, development, and qualification for Hair products. You will coordinate with TPMs and internal teams to meet performance, cost, and quality targets.

The role emphasizes base business continuity, innovative packaging projects, and sustainability integration, with a strong focus on digital and AI-enabled development approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Packaging Development/Technologies, Engineering, or Industrial Design.
• 1–3 years of Package Development/Package Engineering experience in FMCG, beauty/hair preferred.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an entrepreneurial, agile mindset.
• Willingness to travel ~20% domestically or internationally.
• Knowledge and experience with AI tools, probing/coding is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Base Business Continuity (BCP) support and efficiency projects.
• Develop and qualify packaging innovations across Hair brands and categories.
• Own and drive projects with internal and TPM partners.
• Implement sustainable packaging practices aligned with company goals.
• Manage multiple priorities with agility and resilience.
• Design and execute technical and consumer learning plans through project gates.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, Procurement, and TPM teams.

Skills

English fluency

Analytical thinking

Hands-on

Team collaboration

AI tools familiarity

Education

Packaging/Engineering degree

Tools

AI tools

Probing/Coding

Job description

Position Title

R&D Packaging Development Manager

Department

R&D

Location

Morris Plains, NJ (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite)

Reports to

Manager, Brand

ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY

Together, WEenable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves.

WellaCompany is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, WellaCompany and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, WellaCompany empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.

The Packaging Manager for internal and external innovation and business continuity on breadth of Hair products and brands. End-to-End ideation, development, qualification of innovative packaging solutions across our Hair Color, Care & Styling Brands internally and externally (e.g. with Third Party Manufacturers - TPM) with an NA focus. You will be a part of a passionate team who is at the forefront of delivering dynamic and cutting-edge packaging innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Base Business Continuity (BCP):Support base business, including BCP efforts, efficiency projects, manufacturing technical transfers, and scouting for new suppliers/manufacturers and technologies.
• Innovation/Projects:Develop and qualify package innovations for our Hair brands, across different categories like care, styling, color, meeting design intent, performance, functionality, aesthetics, cost, scalability, manufacturability, timing, compliance, and quality requirements.
• Internal & External (TPM) focused:Own and drive projects & initiatives with internal and external partner.
• Sustainability Integration:Implement sustainable packaging practices (reduce, reuse, recycle) aligned with company initiatives and targets.
• Ownership & Agility:Independently handle multiple priorities with agility and resilience.
• Testing:Recommend and execute technical & consumer learning plans through all project gate stages for robust technical readiness and qualification.
• Hands On:Exhibit curiosity and hands-on mentality to connect with packages, conduct fit-for-use evaluations/testing, try new things, and solve problems with a can-do attitude.
• Collaboration & Communication:Seamlessly communicate and work with versatile stakeholders (e.g., R&D partners, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, Procurement, Third Party Manufacturers, Suppliers, Initiative Managers).
• Digital & AI Savviness:Integrate digital, AI, and fast-package-development solutions to create future-proof package development approaches.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Packaging Development & Technologies, Engineering, Industrial Design.
• 1-3 years of Package Development/Package Engineering experience (in FMCG industries & especially in Beauty / Hair category is preferred).
• Knowledge in packaging technologies and packaging development approaches.
• Fluency in English (written/oral) is mandatory. Any other language is a plus (e.g. Spanish/Portuguese).
• Strong analytical &problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial, agile, curious and hands-on spirit.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and operate independently in diverse teams and environments.
• Ability to travel ~20% of your time to domestic or international destinations.
• Knowledge & experience of AI tools, probing/coding is fundamental.

We disclose the compensation range for positions in compliance with local law. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, skills and in comparison to internal incumbents currently in similar roles. Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000 salary per year. The range listed is just one component of Wella Company's total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus plan or variable pay, depending on the role. In addition, Wella Company provides a rich variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

NOTICES

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please email [e-mail] . This email account will not respond to inquiries regarding the status of a candidate’s application.