Kendo Director of Packaging Development

About Kendo

Kendo is a dynamic beauty brand incubator within the LVMH family, renowned for creating and scaling distinctive names that shape contemporary prestige beauty. Since its founding in 2010, the company has combined entrepreneurial agility with the resources and standards of a global luxury group, fostering brands such as Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Ole Henriksen, and KVD Beauty. As an employer, Kendo offers an inventive, fast-moving environment where creativity, commercial rigor, inclusivity, and digital fluency converge. Its teams are encouraged to challenge convention, build culturally resonant products, and contribute to a portfolio defined by innovation, authenticity, and global ambition.

Role & Responsibilities

• Guide the technical, aesthetic, and cost aspects of the design process, including concept ideation and 3D design.
• Oversee projects across all types, including sellable and non-sellable products, samples, and accessories.
• Assess feasibility in terms of design, cost of goods sold (COGS), manufacturing capabilities, and timing.
• Identify suitable suppliers based on project requirements.
• Evaluate the cost impact of each component and production method.
• Evolve packaging aesthetics in coordination with Packaging Design.
• Oversee color and decoration submissions, standards, and range boards.
• Resolve packaging-related quality issues and timeline challenges.
• Review and approve technical drawings.
• Lead packaging tooling efforts.
• Oversee packaging testing, analyze results, and assess associated risks.
• Oversee line trials, fill weights, and component and assembly specifications.
• Issue label claims, dielines, recycling codes, and UPCs for artwork.
• Proof packaging-related artwork elements.
• Maintain component specifications and filling and assembly instructions.
• Support regional and Quality Assurance inquiries about package data.
• Lead and execute resourcing and cost-saving initiatives.
• Partner with Marketing, Creative, Operations, and Product Development.
• Apply an understanding of cosmetic product and packaging manufacturing processes.
• Participate in developing new package development processes and systems.
• Maintain professional knowledge of new and emerging packaging technology trends.
• Drive sustainability initiatives and manage the budget.
• Potentially oversee more than one brand.
• Manage, lead, and train an effective team of 2–5 packaging developers.
• Lead internal and external meetings and discussions.
• Bring a strategic perspective beyond packaging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in package development or engineering with a best-in-class beauty company.
• Proven track record of success and broad understanding of cosmetics packaging.
• Demonstrated successful collaboration and working relationships with Creative, Marketing, Product Development, and Operations.
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strategic developer and hands-on problem solver.
• Strong independent and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent team player with strong relationship-building skills.
• Readily accepts and embraces change and is comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with all organizational levels and suppliers.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage documentation, materials, samples, and information.
• Solid people-management record, including effectively developing and leading a team of Packaging Developers.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years in package development or engineering with a best-in-class beauty company.

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Benefits

Annual bonus; medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible paid time off; parental leave; employee discounts and perks; retirement plan with employer contributions; Summer Fridays; opportunity to work from anywhere for two weeks during the calendar year; and a December wellness/shutdown week for applicable positions.

Culture

Kendo offers a fast-moving, entrepreneurial culture where brand builders, creatives, and beauty experts collaborate to develop distinctive global beauty brands. As part of the LVMH ecosystem, it combines the agility of an independent incubator with the standards, resources, and international perspective of a luxury group. The environment values innovation, inclusivity, commercial excellence, and hands-on ownership at every level.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.