Director of Packaging Development and Engineering (Hybrid Role - New York)

OLAPLEX, a category-defining leader in prestige hair care, continuously seeks talented individuals to join in our mission to transform foundational hair health and deliver great hair days today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

As the original bond builder, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that celebrates the bonds within our teams. OLAPLEX elevates individuals from all backgrounds with the belief that together we can unlock the full potential of science to extend the health, life, and beauty of hair for all.

About the Role: 

The Director of Packaging is responsible for the end-to-end development and execution of Product Categories. The role is also responsible for cost savings initiatives within their product category and working with outside suppliers to offer innovative packaging and processes continually. The role reports directly to the Vice President of Packaging and plays a key leadership role within the Packaging Engineering and Development team and cross-functionally within Olaplex.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and select components, materials, and vendors to meet cost, sustainability, and speed-to-market needs
• Deliver high-performance, brand-aligned packaging focusing on innovation, consumer experience, and efficiency
• Apply advanced engineering principles in packaging design, mechanical performance, and functionality throughout the product lifecycle
• Lead structural and material analysis for compatibility, integrity, ergonomics, sustainability, and manufacturability
• Ensure all package designs meet functional performance requirements, including drop/impact, leak prevention, torque retention, and shelf-life stability
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment, adaptable to managing changing needs
• Critical Thinker - able to sort through issues, narrow focus, and get to an aligned directionLead an organization to manage the development and engineering of packages to ensure aesthetic, cost, and functional objectives are met; Develop and train the organization
• Ensure execution (and improvement) of key work processes
• Leverage strong analytical knowledge of Package Testing (package and formula testing) and the experience to create new package tests for full fit/form and functionality of any new or innovative packages.
• Work with Vice President on the strategic direction of the department, processes, workload, Budgets, Presentations etc.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Proactively identify and implement sustainable solutions, including recyclable, refillable, PCR, or bio-based packaging
• Partner with Innovation, Marketing, and Regulatory to meet evolving global sustainability commitments and consumer expectations
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging materials, regulatory changes, and competitive benchmarking

Vendor & Supply Chain Engagement

• Establish and manage vendor partnerships for custom, stock, and turnkey packaging development
• Oversee tooling development, qualification, and startup of new packaging at internal and external manufacturing sites.
• Validate new suppliers and technologies through rigorous technical and commercial assessments.

Partnerships & Leadership

• Collaborates closely with Vice Presidents, senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and a global network of suppliers and contract manufacturers. 
• Leads and mentors a high-performing team, driving excellence in packaging innovation and talent development in alignment with Olaplex’s brand standards and strategic goals

Talent Management & Development

• Champion identifying and integrating emerging packaging technologies and innovations to elevate team capabilities and product performance
• Lead a structured performance management process, including annual reviews, ongoing coaching, and real-time feedback
• Conduct talent calibration sessions to ensure equitable assessments and succession planning across engineering levels
• Mentor and developed direct reports, fostering both technical excellence and cross-functional relationship-building skills
• Build a high-performing, growth-minded engineering team through targeted development plans and individualized coaching

About You:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 12+ years related work experience
• Specialized expertise in Packaging Engineering is strongly preferred
• Proven track record in the beauty and personal care industry, with deep understanding of brand aesthetics, consumer expectations, and speed-to-market execution
• Extensive knowledge of Materials and production, filling, and overall supply chain
• Cost management expertise with proven ability to meet cost targets and margins
• Ability to thrive working in a fast-paced environment and be adaptable to managing changing needs
• Keen critical thinking skills; notably the ability to sort through issues, bring both a narrow focus and wide focus and gain alignment quickly and efficiently
• Demonstrated success consistently ensuring execution (and improvement) of key work processes
• Strong Analytical knowledge of Package Testing and Technical engineering of primary and secondary components
• Ability to lead teams to manage, develop & engineer packages to ensure aesthetics, costs, and functional objectives are met
• Demonstrated history of leading direct reports and leading cross-functionally

We'd love to have you apply, even if you don't feel you meet every single requirement. What's most important to us is finding authentic and accountable people who feel connected to our mission and values, not just candidates who check off all the boxes. We are looking for someone who will bring all their expertise, learn, and grow with us.

Our Total Rewards: 

The annual base pay for this position is $170,000-$180,000 with eligibility for an annual bonus. The actual base pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, years of relevant experience, skill level, functional expertise, certificates or other professional licenses held and geographic location.

• Competitive compensation 
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and flexible work schedules
• Wellness: Company Contribution to Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Employees and their Families, Company Paid Employee Life Insurance, Optional additional Life Insurance, and Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage Options 
• Parental Leave: Up to 18 weeks for birthing-parents and up to 10 weeks for non-birthing new parents
• Financial Well-being: Roth and 401k plans: 100% match up to the first 4% and is immediately vested
• Professional Development Reimbursement Program: Career development is as important to us as we know it is to you! 
• Our culture has an “attitude of gratitude” and a shared passion for our brand. Join our Bond Builder DEI committee to play a role celebrating DEI at OLAPLEX 
• Products: Twenty (20) free products per year, plus a friends and family discount 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Our mission is to create a culture that celebrates our bonds by embracing, elevating, and empowering individuals from all backgrounds.

OLAPLEX is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.