Project Manager – Packaging & Turnkey Development (Santa Monica)
HCT by kdc/one, Santa Monica, CA, United States
Who We Are
At HCT by kdc/one, we bring beauty brands to life through innovation in packaging, formulation, and full-service execution. From concept to shelf, we sit at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and operational excellence.
We are seeking a mid-level Project Manager with strong experience in beauty packaging and turnkey product development to support development-heavy projects within our NYC office.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments where sampling, revisions, client communication, and cross-functional coordination are constant and critical to success.
Position Overview:
The Project Manager is responsible for managing development-heavy customer projects from concept through production. This role requires frequent coordination of sampling, packaging development, formula timelines, and client submissions while serving as the primary liaison between clients, sales, internal teams, and suppliers.
This individual ensures that packaging, formula, testing, artwork, and production readiness all progress in parallel to meet launch timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Sampling Ownership
Manage projects requiring frequent sampling, revisions, and client submissions
Coordinate PD presentations, development samples, and client feedback loops
Oversee multi-SKU skincare and color cosmetic launches with complex development timelines
Ensure sampling, testing, compatibility, and approvals stay aligned with packaging milestones
Maintain proactive client communication during development phases to prevent delays
Navigate custom tooling projects and technical packaging challenges during development
Packaging & Component Development
Source stock and custom packaging components from approved suppliers
Negotiate costing, MOQs, lead times, and supplier capabilities
Establish packaging standards, specifications, and acceptable defect ranges with clients
Review development samples, QA pieces, and production samples
Collaborate with designers and engineers on renderings, sketches, and technical feasibility
Turnkey / Product Development Coordination
Manage full turnkey projects including packaging, formula, accessories, filling, and testing
Coordinate formula submissions, compatibility testing, artwork approvals, and regulatory timelines
Ensure client timing is maintained across both packaging and formula development milestones
Provide feedback to guide clients toward successful end development
Project Ownership & Client Management
Develop project scopes, timelines, and objectives with stakeholders
Act as main point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
Lead meetings independently with customers and cross-functional teams
Translate technical challenges into clear client-friendly communication
Troubleshoot delays, quality issues, and scope changes while maintaining momentum
Commercial & Administrative Oversight
Issue program quotations, cost sheets, and pricing agreements
Accurately quote transit and freight costs
Issue Purchase Orders and maintain organized customer files
Manage changes in scope, schedule, and cost using appropriate verification techniques
Maintain detailed project documentation and trackers
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role
Strong understanding of beauty packaging development and supplier capabilities
Working knowledge of the beauty formula development lifecycle
Experience managing development-heavy projects with frequent sampling
Comfort working with factories, suppliers, clients, PD, and sales simultaneously
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions
Ability to balance aesthetics, technical feasibility, cost targets, quality, and timing
Qualifications
Preferred; Bachelor’s Degree
3–5 years of experience in beauty, cosmetic packaging, or consumer goods project management
Experience with both packaging components and turnkey/full-service development
Experience managing projects with heavy sampling and client submission cycles
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Exceptional organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Why You’ll Love Working at HCT by kdc/one
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, wellness resources, employee programs, and a collaborative environment where innovation and ownership are valued.
At HCT by kdc/one, we bring beauty brands to life through innovation in packaging, formulation, and full-service execution. From concept to shelf, we sit at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and operational excellence.
We are seeking a mid-level Project Manager with strong experience in beauty packaging and turnkey product development to support development-heavy projects within our NYC office.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments where sampling, revisions, client communication, and cross-functional coordination are constant and critical to success.
Position Overview:
The Project Manager is responsible for managing development-heavy customer projects from concept through production. This role requires frequent coordination of sampling, packaging development, formula timelines, and client submissions while serving as the primary liaison between clients, sales, internal teams, and suppliers.
This individual ensures that packaging, formula, testing, artwork, and production readiness all progress in parallel to meet launch timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Sampling Ownership
Manage projects requiring frequent sampling, revisions, and client submissions
Coordinate PD presentations, development samples, and client feedback loops
Oversee multi-SKU skincare and color cosmetic launches with complex development timelines
Ensure sampling, testing, compatibility, and approvals stay aligned with packaging milestones
Maintain proactive client communication during development phases to prevent delays
Navigate custom tooling projects and technical packaging challenges during development
Packaging & Component Development
Source stock and custom packaging components from approved suppliers
Negotiate costing, MOQs, lead times, and supplier capabilities
Establish packaging standards, specifications, and acceptable defect ranges with clients
Review development samples, QA pieces, and production samples
Collaborate with designers and engineers on renderings, sketches, and technical feasibility
Turnkey / Product Development Coordination
Manage full turnkey projects including packaging, formula, accessories, filling, and testing
Coordinate formula submissions, compatibility testing, artwork approvals, and regulatory timelines
Ensure client timing is maintained across both packaging and formula development milestones
Provide feedback to guide clients toward successful end development
Project Ownership & Client Management
Develop project scopes, timelines, and objectives with stakeholders
Act as main point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
Lead meetings independently with customers and cross-functional teams
Translate technical challenges into clear client-friendly communication
Troubleshoot delays, quality issues, and scope changes while maintaining momentum
Commercial & Administrative Oversight
Issue program quotations, cost sheets, and pricing agreements
Accurately quote transit and freight costs
Issue Purchase Orders and maintain organized customer files
Manage changes in scope, schedule, and cost using appropriate verification techniques
Maintain detailed project documentation and trackers
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role
Strong understanding of beauty packaging development and supplier capabilities
Working knowledge of the beauty formula development lifecycle
Experience managing development-heavy projects with frequent sampling
Comfort working with factories, suppliers, clients, PD, and sales simultaneously
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions
Ability to balance aesthetics, technical feasibility, cost targets, quality, and timing
Qualifications
Preferred; Bachelor’s Degree
3–5 years of experience in beauty, cosmetic packaging, or consumer goods project management
Experience with both packaging components and turnkey/full-service development
Experience managing projects with heavy sampling and client submission cycles
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Exceptional organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Why You’ll Love Working at HCT by kdc/one
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, wellness resources, employee programs, and a collaborative environment where innovation and ownership are valued.