Design Manager, Packaging + Print

About AS Beauty

AS Beauty is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic companies in the market today. We are a family-run business based in New York, NY, focused on developing global beauty brands that deliver real-world solutions to a diverse consumer base. AS Beauty’s portfolio includes renowned brands Laura Geller Beauty, Bliss, and Julep Beauty. We are continually developing products that are innovative, effective, and ensure that our customers feel beautiful inside and out.

About the Role

We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and strategic Design Manager, Packaging + Print to lead the development and execution of creative packaging design across our beauty brands. This role will oversee the packaging design process from initial concept through final production, ensuring all packaging aligns with brand identity, business objectives, cost considerations, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision with technical packaging expertise, project management skills, and the ability to lead and mentor a team. This individual will collaborate closely with Product Development, Integrated Marketing, Sales, Sourcing, and external vendors to deliver elevated, functional, and cost-effective packaging solutions. This position sits on our creative team and reports directly to the Creative Director.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Packaging Development

• Lead creative direction and design development for primary and secondary packaging across multiple beauty brands.
• Translate brand strategies, product positioning, and market trends into innovative packaging concepts.
• Oversee packaging design from initial exploration and concept development through mass production-ready artwork.
• Establish and maintain consistent brand identities, design standards, and packaging guidelines.
• Research emerging packaging trends, materials, finishes, and innovative construction techniques to identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Balance premium aesthetics with functionality, manufacturability, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• This role also oversees design of visual merchandising, marketing PR boxes, and all other print design requests

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and support packaging designers and production designers, providing creative guidance and constructive feedback.
• Delegate and manage projects based on team capacity, priorities, and individual strengths.
• Oversee team workflows to ensure projects are completed efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.
• Ensure designers have resources and information needed to kick off projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve team processes and training.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations for direct reports on the packaging team.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Oversee multiple packaging projects simultaneously, managing priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Partner with Product Development, Product Marketing, Sourcing, Sales, and Creative teams to align packaging execution with business objectives.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate project status, identify risks, and resolve challenges.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and vendors to evaluate packaging feasibility, cost implications, and production timelines.
• Proactively identify potential roadblocks and recommend alternative solutions to maintain project momentum.
• Make strategic design decisions that balance creative vision, cost, timing, and technical requirements.

Production & Technical Oversight

• Oversee the development and approval of packaging mechanicals, dielines, artwork, and production specifications.
• Ensure packaging files meet printer and manufacturer requirements, including accurate dimensions, color specifications, finishes, and artwork placement.
• Review and approve digital packaging proofs, pre-production samples, and final production samples.
• Provide guidance on printing techniques, decorative finishes, materials, and component construction.
• Work closely with vendors to problem solve and troubleshoot production challenges.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency across packaging artwork, regulatory information, and product specifications.

Process Improvement & Strategic Planning

• Develop and refine packaging workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and project visibility.
• Establish clear processes for project intake, design reviews, approvals, and production handoffs.
• Partner with leadership to plan upcoming launches, limited edition seasonal programs, and long-term packaging initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to optimize existing packaging, reduce costs, and improve production efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Professional packaging design experience, preferably within beauty, cosmetics, skincare, or consumer packaged goods.
• Previous experience leading projects, providing creative direction, or mentoring junior designers.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong understanding of packaging production, print processes, materials, decorative finishes, and manufacturing techniques.
• Experience developing primary and secondary packaging, including components, folding cartons, labels, and gift sets.
• Strong knowledge of dielines, mechanical artwork, color management, and production specifications.
• Knowledge of product development in the beauty industry is a plus!
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and navigate changing business priorities.
• Strong creative judgment, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience collaborating with domestic and international packaging suppliers is a plus.