Packaging Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging Design Manager

Company: Not Your Mother's

Location: Tampa, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 6-10+ years of experience in packaging design, with 1-3 years of management experience.

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end packaging design and development lifecycle for the Not Your Mother's product portfolio, ensuring brand consistency and shelf appeal.

• Drive innovation in packaging concepts, materials, and finishes to enhance product presentation and consumer experience.

• Manage production-ready artwork, dielines, and specifications, collaborating closely with vendors and internal teams to ensure quality execution.

• Oversee ongoing packaging maintenance, including updates for copy, regulatory compliance, and SKU management.

• Translate brand strategy and product positioning into compelling packaging systems that resonate with target consumers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining and evolving the visual identity of the Not Your Mother's brand across all product lines. The Packaging Design Manager will act as a key liaison between creative vision and manufacturing reality, requiring a blend of artistic sensibility and technical proficiency. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a focus on collaborative in-office work for critical design and review sessions, balanced with remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design primary and secondary packaging for new product launches, seasonal kits, and limited-edition items.

• Develop creative concepts for packaging that align with product positioning, brand strategy, and market trends.

• Create detailed mockups, prototypes, and visual presentations for internal reviews and product development discussions.

• Manage the ongoing maintenance of existing packaging, including artwork revisions, regulatory updates, and SKU additions.

• Prepare final production files, including accurate dielines, color callouts, and precise print specifications.

• Collaborate with Creative Operations to manage project timelines and ensure packaging milestones are met.

• Work closely with external vendors and manufacturers to ensure packaging is produced to exact specifications and brand standards.

• Conduct press checks during production runs to meticulously review color, materials, and finishes.

• Troubleshoot production issues, ensuring packaging meets high-quality standards and brand integrity.

• Maintain organized and accurate packaging files for efficient asset management and future reference.

• Develop 2D and 3D renderings for visualization of packaging concepts, merchandising displays, and retail presence.

• Partner with Marketing and Storytelling teams to ensure packaging effectively communicates product benefits and brand messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in both the creative conception and the technical execution of packaging. The emphasis on "ongoing maintenance" and "troubleshooting production issues" points to the need for a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can manage the entire packaging lifecycle, not just new designs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 6–10+ years of experience in packaging design, with a strong preference for experience in beauty, personal care, or CPG industries.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating and manipulating design files.

• Proven experience working with dielines, understanding their importance in packaging structure and production.

• Strong understanding of print production processes, materials, finishes, and manufacturing techniques relevant to packaging.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, innovation, and production.

• Exceptional attention to detail, crucial for managing complex packaging specifications and ensuring accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working specifically within the beauty, skincare, or personal care packaging sectors.

• Familiarity with packaging sustainability initiatives, eco-friendly materials, and emerging material innovations.

• Experience with 2D and 3D packaging rendering tools for visualization and concept presentation.

• Previous experience working on retail-driven brands where shelf impact and visual appeal are paramount.

• Experience attending press checks and managing relationships with packaging vendors and manufacturers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Major Green Flags" section provides excellent insight into the ideal candidate's practical skills and passion for packaging. These are qualitative indicators that hiring managers will likely look for during interviews, suggesting candidates should be prepared to share anecdotes demonstrating these traits.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of packaging design projects across various formats (e.g., bottles, jars, tubes, cartons, pouches).

• Projects should demonstrate an understanding of translating brand strategy and product positioning into compelling visual designs.

• Include examples of how you've managed the transition from concept to production-ready artwork, highlighting technical specifications and dieline usage.

• Showcase case studies or project examples that illustrate problem-solving in packaging design, such as addressing production challenges or enhancing shelf appeal.

Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your systematic approach to packaging design, from initial concept ideation through to final production.

• Be ready to explain your workflow for managing artwork updates, regulatory compliance changes, and SKU expansions.

• Outline your methods for collaborating with and managing external vendors and manufacturers to ensure quality and adherence to brand standards.

• Detail your process for conducting press checks and ensuring color accuracy, material integrity, and overall quality control during manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should curate examples that not only display creative talent but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the technical aspects of packaging production, brand integrity, and problem-solving capabilities. Highlighting projects with clear before-and-after scenarios or measurable impacts (e.g., improved shelf presence, cost savings) will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Packaging Design Manager in Tampa, Florida, with 6-10+ years of experience and 1-3 years of management experience, typically falls between $85,000 and $115,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the beauty/CPG sector in a metropolitan area with a moderate cost of living and the hybrid work model. Factors such as specific experience, advanced skills, and performance in the interview process can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Employee discounts on Not Your Mother's products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

• Hybrid work model offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid schedule: 4 days in the Tampa office and 1 day working remotely.

• Flexibility may be available to accommodate project deadlines or specific production needs, with prior approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on aggregate data for similar roles in the Tampa, FL area, considering the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in the consumer goods sector, with potential additions like product discounts being a common perk for beauty brands. The hybrid model is a significant factor in work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Beauty & Personal Care (Haircare) – Not Your Mother's operates within a dynamic and trend-driven consumer goods market, emphasizing clean ingredients, cruelty-free practices, and accessibility. The company's focus on individuality and rewriting haircare rules suggests an innovative and consumer-centric approach.

Company Size: The description implies a growing company that has achieved significant market presence but likely maintains a culture that values agility and individual impact, typical of mid-sized to large-sized companies in the consumer goods sector.

Founded: Founded in sunny Florida, Not Your Mother's has established itself as a brand that "doesn't chase trends; we create them," focusing on elevated formulas and empowering self-expression. This suggests a company culture rooted in authenticity, innovation, and a passion for beauty.

Team Structure:

• This role reports to the Creative Director, indicating a structured creative department.

• Close collaboration is expected with Innovation, Marketing, Product Experience, and Creative Operations teams.

• Partnership with Sales and Trade teams for visual assets is also noted.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly stated for this role, the company's focus on consumer needs and market trends suggests an underlying data-driven approach to product development and marketing.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires meticulous workflow planning for packaging projects, from concept to production, and managing timelines efficiently.

• Automation & Efficiency: While direct automation might not be the primary focus, efficient processes for artwork management, file organization, and vendor communication are crucial for success.

Company Website: https://www.notyourmothers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes individuality, innovation, and "making your mark." This suggests an environment where proactive individuals who can contribute unique ideas and drive projects forward are highly valued. The "LOVE FOR ALL" and "SHAKING THINGS UP" values point to an inclusive and forward-thinking workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a mid-to-senior level management role within the creative and operations functions. It requires significant expertise in packaging design and production, coupled with the ability to lead projects and potentially manage direct reports. The scope includes strategic input on brand presentation through packaging and operational oversight of the entire packaging lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Packaging Design Manager reports directly to the Creative Director. This implies a clear hierarchy within the creative department, with opportunities for direct interaction and mentorship from senior creative leadership.

Operations Impact: The Packaging Design Manager has a substantial impact on the company's revenue and market perception by ensuring packaging is aesthetically appealing, functionally sound, and aligns with brand messaging. Effective packaging directly influences consumer purchasing decisions, brand recognition, and product differentiation on crowded retail shelves. The role bridges creative vision with the operational realities of manufacturing and distribution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in specific packaging materials, sustainability practices, or advanced rendering technologies.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into a Senior Packaging Design Manager role, oversee larger teams, or manage broader creative portfolios.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead cross-functional initiatives related to packaging innovation or new market entries.

• Industry Specialization: Becoming a recognized expert in beauty/personal care packaging design and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a recognized beauty brand. Candidates seeking to specialize in packaging design and production within a fast-paced consumer goods environment will find ample opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement. The hybrid model also reflects a modern approach to work that can appeal to professionals seeking balance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is office-based with a hybrid work arrangement, indicating a professional office setting designed for collaborative work. This environment likely includes design studios, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 4030 W. Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607. This is a professional business district in Tampa, suggesting accessibility and a standard corporate office environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and reporting structure suggest an emphasis on teamwork, with days in the office dedicated to brainstorming, team meetings, and stakeholder reviews.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely 3D rendering tools. Access to physical mock-up materials or prototyping resources may also be available.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, innovation, and creative operations teams will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated workflow.

Work Schedule:

• A hybrid schedule of 4 days in the office and 1 day remote is standard.

• Full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) are expected. This schedule allows for dedicated time for focused design work, both independently and collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Tampa office location suggests a professional, corporate environment typical of consumer goods companies. The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing focused remote work with essential in-office collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and qualifications against the job requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Creative Director to discuss your background, management style, and understanding of packaging design principles.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio, highlighting specific projects that demonstrate your design skills, technical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to walk through a specific packaging project from concept to completion, detailing your process and decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Innovation, and Creative Operations to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate packaging design into broader business objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level leadership to discuss strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest packaging design projects that best represent your skills, particularly those in beauty/personal care.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize technical execution (dielines, specs, material choices).

• Highlight Management Experience: If applicable, include examples of projects where you led a team or managed the workflow from start to finish.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your packaging designs (e.g., improved shelf presence, positive consumer feedback, successful production).

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and any 2D/3D rendering tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing packaging for new product launches, including concept development and translating brand identity.

• Anticipate questions about managing production challenges, working with vendors, and ensuring quality control.

• Think about how you would approach a project with tight deadlines or conflicting stakeholder requirements.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of packaging sustainability trends and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case studies means candidates must be prepared to visually and verbally articulate their design process, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrating an understanding of the "craft" of packaging, as mentioned in the "Green Flags," will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: Essential for creating vector-based artwork, dielines, and technical drawings. Proficiency in advanced features like pathfinder, typography tools, and color management is expected.
  • Photoshop: Used for mockups, image manipulation, rendering, and creating visual assets for presentations.
  • InDesign: Crucial for creating multi-page documents, spec sheets, and layout-driven packaging artwork.

• 3D Rendering Tools (Preferred): Software like Adobe Dimension, Keyshot, Blender, or similar for creating realistic 3D mockups and visualizations of packaging concepts.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) may be beneficial for understanding product lifecycle management and sales implications, though not a primary requirement for this design-focused role.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools could be a plus for streamlining design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with 3D rendering tools and project management software will significantly enhance a candidate's profile, enabling them to create more compelling visuals and manage projects more effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Individuality & Authenticity: Valuing unique perspectives and encouraging employees to express themselves authentically, mirroring the brand's ethos.

• Innovation & Rule-Breaking: A culture that encourages challenging the status quo and finding new ways to approach haircare and business operations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across departments to achieve shared goals, as seen in the cross-functional partnerships required for this role.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A deep appreciation for the details and execution of products, from formulation to packaging design and production.

• Consumer-Centricity: A focus on understanding and delighting the consumer through product performance and brand experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Marketing, Innovation, and Creative Operations, ensuring packaging design aligns with strategic objectives and operational capabilities.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where constructive feedback is shared and incorporated to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, industry trends, and technical knowledge within the creative and broader product development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around empowering individuals and fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values through their work style and approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating innovative design concepts into practical, manufacturable packaging that meets budget, timeline, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across a Growing Portfolio: As the product line expands, ensuring all new and existing packaging adheres to brand guidelines and maintains a cohesive visual identity can be complex.

• Navigating Production Issues: Troubleshooting and resolving unexpected problems during the manufacturing process requires agility, problem-solving skills, and strong vendor relationships.

• Keeping Pace with Industry Trends: The beauty and CPG industries evolve rapidly; staying ahead of new materials, sustainability innovations, and consumer preferences in packaging is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Packaging Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses on advanced packaging materials, sustainable design, or specific manufacturing processes.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in packaging and design conferences to network and stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior creative leadership and developing leadership skills through managing projects and potentially direct reports.

• Exposure to New Product Development: Gaining in-depth experience with the innovation pipeline, contributing to the launch of new and exciting products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a fantastic opportunity to tackle complex packaging challenges within a fast-growing and dynamic brand, offering significant scope for professional development in both creative and operational aspects of packaging design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a product brief into a compelling packaging design. How do you balance brand strategy with consumer appeal and technical feasibility?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to troubleshoot a significant production issue with packaging. What was the problem, how did you resolve it, and what did you learn?"

• "How do you approach managing multiple packaging projects with competing deadlines and priorities? What tools or strategies do you use?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What resonates with you about the Not Your Mother's brand and its values? How do you see your role contributing to our mission?"

• "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially when dealing with creative and technical input from different departments?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you thrive in a hybrid setting?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your solution, the process, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Technical Expertise: Explicitly discuss your use of dielines, print specifications, material choices, and color management. Show your understanding of production realities.

• Demonstrate Management Skills: If presenting projects you managed, talk about team coordination, timeline management, and vendor communication.

• Connect to Brand: Explain how your designs align with the brand's identity and target audience. For Not Your Mother's, emphasize how your designs would stand out on shelf and reflect the brand's personality.

• Be Prepared for Details: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, software techniques, or production challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to blend creativity with technical execution and management. The interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only a skilled designer but also a strategic partner and effective problem-solver.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Packaging Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.paylocity.com portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6-10+ years of packaging design experience, specifically mentioning beauty/personal care/CPG if applicable. Emphasize your management experience and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and print production. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful packaging design projects, ensuring they demonstrate creativity, technical skill (dielines, specs), and successful execution. Prepare to discuss your process and results for each.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Be ready to discuss a specific packaging project in detail, including challenges, solutions, and outcomes, as if presenting it as a case study.

• Research Not Your Mother's: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, brand messaging, values, and recent marketing campaigns to articulate your understanding and fit during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.