Director of Product & Packaging Design / Product Development / Merchandising
Monk Tree Partners, Los Angeles
Director of Product & Packaging Design / Product Development / Merchandising
Overview
A well-established consumer products company seeks a creative and strategic Director of Product & Packaging Design to lead product design execution, packaging development, and visual identity across multiple brands. This leader will oversee internal and external design resources, ensuring innovative, cost‑effective, and retail‑ready solutions that align with brand strategy and business goals.
Role Purpose
Drive the end‑to‑end design strategy and execution for both product and packaging—balancing creativity, manufacturability, and commercial viability. Lead the internal graphic/packaging team while managing external industrial designers and overseas vendor partners.
Manages: Internal Packaging/Graphic Design Team; coordinates external product design and vendor resources
Scope
Oversees all design initiatives across a diverse portfolio of brands and categories, within the housewares space. Collaborates closely with Product Management, Sourcing, Sales, and overseas operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute product concepts aligned with market and consumer trends
- Lead packaging design that drives retail appeal, meets retailer requirements, and reinforces brand identity
- Manage vendor relationships for outsourced design, ensuring quality, timeliness, and cost control
- Oversee design budgets and project timelines across multiple brands and categories
- Implement efficient design workflows and review processes
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver on‑time, on‑brand product launches
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Strategic and creative design thinking
- Deep understanding of packaging and product design processes
- Vendor and project management expertiseKnowledge of manufacturing materials, constraints, and cost optimization
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving abilities
Qualifications
- Passion for product!
- 5+ years of product development experience, including at least 2 years in management
- 5+ years of international sourcing experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and accurate
- Capable of managing multiple projects, deadlines, and shifting priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Strategic thinking and decision‑making skills
- Proven negotiation and problem‑solving abilities
Success Metrics
- On‑time product and packaging launches meeting brand and retailer standards
- Adherence to design and development budgets
- Increased design‑driven product innovation
- Positive retailer and consumer feedback
- Vendor reliability and quality performance
- Aligning diverse brand aesthetics and customer targets
- Balancing innovation with cost and production feasibility
- Enhancing brand image through design and packaging excellence
- Leveraging external partnerships to expand design capabilities efficiently
We Offer
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus tied to company and individual performance
- Advancement opportunities within a growing organization
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance programs
- Profit Sharing Plan
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full‑time
Job function
- Product Management, Project Management, and Strategy/Planning
- Industries: Manufacturing