Kendo Manager, Packaging Development

San Francisco • USA

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Kendo Holdings, Inc., a San Francisco-based beauty brand developer and wholesaler, operates under the auspices of LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, the preeminent global luxury conglomerate. Renowned for its innovative spirit, Kendo serves as a creative powerhouse, driving the next wave of beauty product development for global Sephora channels and select retailers. The company is celebrated for its dynamic approach, combining speed, expertise, and market acumen to continually redefine the beauty industry through exceptional products and compelling storytelling.

1. Guide technical, aesthetic, and cost aspects of the design process.
2. Execute feasibility studies on design, cost of goods sold (COGS), manufacturing capabilities, and timelines.
3. Identify and liaise with suitable suppliers based on project requirements.
4. Assess the cost impact of each component or production method.
5. Prepare and review color and decoration submissions with Creative and Brand teams.
6. Review standards and range boards.
7. Resolve packaging-related quality issues.
8. Address and resolve packaging timeline challenges.
9. Review and approve technical drawings.
10. Lead packaging tooling efforts.
11. Coordinate packaging testing, analyze test results, and assess associated risks.
12. Obtain and distribute press samples.
13. Oversee line trials and establish fill ranges.
14. Create and maintain component and assembly specifications.
15. Issue label claims, dielines, recycling codes, and UPCs for artwork.
16. Conduct artwork proofing for packaging elements.
17. Maintain component specifications and fill assembly instructions.
18. Support regional and quality assurance package data inquiries.

1. Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in package development/engineering within a leading beauty company.
3. Proven track record of success in cosmetics packaging.
4. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with Creative, Marketing, Product Development, and Operations teams.

1. Strategic development and hands-on problem-solving abilities.
2. Strong independent and analytical thinking skills.
3. Excellent team player with robust relationship-building skills.
4. Adaptability and readiness to embrace change.
5. Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
6. Exceptional communication skills for effective interaction with all organizational levels and suppliers.
7. Excellent organizational skills for managing documentation, materials, samples, and information.

Minimum 5 years of experience in package development/engineering with a leading beauty company.

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.

The salary range for this position is $105,700 - $132,200 per year based on the San Francisco location. Compensation is dependent on experience and location.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible paid time off, parental leave, employee discounts, retirement plan with employer contributions, Summer Fridays, two weeks of remote work annually, and a December wellness/shutdown week.

Kendo fosters a vibrant and inclusive culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. The company is committed to advocacy, diversity, and inclusion, creating safe spaces for all voices to be heard. Embracing a 'Can Do' spirit, Kendo encourages optimism and creativity in achieving goals. The team values authentic storytelling, resilience in the face of challenges, and a relentless pursuit of product excellence.