Associate Manager, Packaging Development

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the development and qualification of packaging solutions for gifting, limited-edition, and sampling initiatives, balancing brand aesthetics, consumer experience, functionality, manufacturability, quality, sustainability, cost, and market requirements. Partner closely with Packaging Design, Marketing, Product Innovation, Purchasing, and Operations to translate creative concepts into distinctive, feasible, and commercially viable packaging experiences. Drive packaging development from concept through execution, including design generation, prototypes, engineering specifications, tooling and mold qualification, functionality and quality testing, and set assembly. Own technical milestones within project timelines, proactively identifying, communicating, and resolving cross-functional roadblocks to ensure successful execution. Bring new ideas and packaging innovation to gifting and sampling, partnering with external vendors to explore new formats, materials, constructions, technologies, and sustainable solutions that elevate the Fresh experience. Manage external packaging vendors and suppliers, building strong partnerships to develop technical solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and stay informed of emerging capabilities and innovations. Create and maintain package component specifications, pre-Bills-of-Materials, Fill & Assembly specifications, and quality control requirements. Collaborate with Design to ensure packaging color development, decoration, artwork, and proofs meet creative expectations while remaining within technical and manufacturing constraints. Conduct and oversee packaging testing, including transit, functionality, and homologation testing, to ensure packages meet quality, performance, and market requirements. Attend and support set assembly and manufacturing start-ups as needed, ensuring proper execution of design, function, quality, and overall consumer experience. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across suppliers, manufacturing, distribution, and quality, escalating issues and driving solutions to completion. Support engineering changes, quality investigations, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives as needed. Champion sustainable packaging solutions by identifying opportunities to improve materials, constructions, and processes in partnership with suppliers and cross-functional teams. What you will learn in the first 6 months: Build a strong understanding of Fresh procedures and processes across Gifting, New Product Development, and ECRs (Engineering Change Requests). Develop a deep understanding of key packaging development deliverables and milestones, working closely with the broader Packaging Development team to support successful launches. Build strong relationships with cross-functional Fresh teams, internal LVMH partners, and external packaging vendors. Develop technical expertise in gifting packaging, including transit and homologation testing,…