Packaging Sourcing & Development Manager – Cosmetics, Food & Lifestyle Brand

Packaging Sourcing & Development Manager – Cosmetics, Food & Lifestyle Brand (Mumbai)

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.