Packaging Sourcing & Development Manager

Location: Mumbai (On-site)

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Packaging Sourcing & Development Manager to lead packaging procurement, vendor management, and innovation for our fast-growing cosmetics, food & lifestyle brand. This role combines creativity, technical expertise, and supply chain management - ensuring every product we package reflects premium quality, sustainability, and the essence of modern luxury.

Key Responsibilities

1. Packaging Vendor Identification & Development

• Research, identify, and onboard reliable packaging vendors and manufacturers across India and international markets (China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Italy preferred).
• Build a robust vendor ecosystem for bottles, jars, caps, pumps, tubes, cartons, labels, and outer boxes catering to skincare, cosmetics, and lifestyle SKUs.
• Evaluate new suppliers through technical audits, certifications, sample trials, and quality benchmarking.
• Develop long-term partnerships with key packaging vendors to ensure supply stability, innovation, and scalability as the brand grows.

2. Procurement, Costing & Negotiation

• Lead quotation, negotiation, and contract finalization for packaging materials ensuring best quality-to-cost ratio.
• Track MOQs, lead times, logistics, and payment terms to optimize cash flow and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with the finance and supply chain teams to forecast material demand and manage procurement budgets effectively.
• Conduct comparative cost analyses across multiple suppliers to identify savings opportunities without compromising luxury standards.

3. Packaging Design Coordination & Aesthetic Development

• Partner closely with the branding, product development, and design teams to bring creative packaging ideas to life.
• Translate design briefs into technical packaging specifications, balancing aesthetics, durability, and production feasibility.
• Work on premium finishing techniques like embossing, UV coating, foil stamping, metallic finishes, and frosted glass to create a high-end brand experience.
• Ensure all packaging aligns with brand identity, shelf appeal, and consumer unboxing experience.

4. Technical & Quality Assurance

• Work with vendors to ensure material compatibility between formulations and packaging (PET, HDPE, Glass, PP, Metal, and eco-materials).
• Conduct drop tests, seal integrity, and leakage testing to ensure performance and durability standards.
• Collaborate with R&D and QA teams to validate regulatory compliance (FDA, GMP, ISO) for all packaging components.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for packaging quality, sampling, and approvals.

5. Sustainability & Innovation

• Drive initiatives for eco-friendly, recyclable, biodegradable, and refillable packaging.
• Research and introduce next-generation sustainable materials such as sugarcane bioplastics, bamboo, and recycled glass.
• Explore innovative form factors and textures that enhance consumer experience - minimal waste tubes, airless pumps, and luxury refill systems.
• Work towards positioning the brand as a leader in clean, conscious, and responsible packaging within the premium beauty segment.

6. Supply Chain Collaboration & Execution

• Coordinate with supply chain and operations teams to align procurement schedules with production timelines.
• Manage end-to-end packaging lifecycle - from sampling, approval, mass production to delivery and warehouse coordination.
• Monitor vendor KPIs (quality scores, delivery adherence, and rejection rates) and maintain detailed performance records.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues proactively to ensure zero production delays and smooth brand launches.

7. Trend Research & Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated with global beauty packaging trends, new material innovations, and consumer preferences.
• Benchmark against top-tier beauty brands to ensure brand’s packaging stands at par with global luxury aesthetics.
• Participate in industry expos, trade fairs, and supplier meets to discover new materials, technologies, and design inspirations.
• Continuously optimize packaging processes for cost efficiency, quality enhancement, and sustainability impact.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in packaging sourcing, vendor management, or supply chain (preferably in cosmetics, personal care, or FMCG).
• Strong vendor network across India, China, and Southeast Asia is a plus.
• Understanding of printing, labeling, molding, and finishing techniques (foil stamping, UV coating, embossing).
• Excellent negotiation, costing, and analytical skills.
• Strong collaboration mindset to work with design, marketing, and production teams.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹600,000.00 - ₹1,200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person