Job Title: Packaging Specialist

About the Role

We are a leading sea moss superfood brand in the U.S. Our mission is to make natural wellness simple, accessible, and easy to understand for everyone. Our product line keeps growing, from glass jars and cans to gummies, capsules, and bundles, and every new format needs packaging that works. That's why we're looking for a Packaging Specialist to build and own a scalable packaging function for our brand. You'll be responsible for every container, closure, and label we ship and make sure each product reaches customers exactly as it should.

Who are we looking for?

A specialist who's ready to create packaging systems, specs, and standards from scratch and take full ownership of the results across all our brands. You enjoy hands-on work: running tests yourself, being on the production floor during trials, and working directly with materials. You explain technical issues in plain language to any team, supplier, or co-manufacturer, and you look for the simplest solution that balances quality, cost, and timelines. A fast pace and parallel projects energize you, and new formats and materials spark your curiosity.

Sounds like you? Then here are the details:

Packaging Development & Specifications

• Own packaging for all products across brands and formats (glass jars, cans, bottles, gummies, capsules, pouches, multipacks, and bundles).
• Create and maintain specifications for every component: containers, closures, labels, shrink sleeves, and secondary and shipping packaging.
• Build and maintain packaging BOMs for each SKU and keep them accurate in our ERP.
• Run version control by documenting every change, keeping current versions approved, and retiring obsolete ones.
• Develop packaging for new products and formats from concept through commercial launch.

Compatibility & Testing

• Design and run pre-launch compatibility testing, including closure integrity, torque, leakage, vacuum and seal performance, label adhesion (including under refrigeration and condensation), and transit and drop testing.
• Partner with R&D on shelf-life studies to evaluate how packaging affects product stability.
• Investigate packaging defects, customer complaints, and shipping damage, find the root cause, and put corrective actions in place.

Labels & Printed Materials

• Own the physical side of labels: materials, adhesives, finishes, print specs, and print-run approvals.
• Perform technical artwork checks before production (dielines, barcodes, print quality, fit to container) together with Design and Compliance.

Suppliers & Contract Manufacturers

• Act as technical owner of packaging suppliers by defining requirements, reviewing samples and specifications, and evaluating new materials and vendors.
• Provide packaging specs to co-manufacturers and support packaging setup during new co-man launches.
• Contribute technical input to our packaging supplier approval program.

Equipment & Production Support

• Lead evaluation, selection, and validation of in-house packaging equipment (labeling, shrink wrapping, bundling, case packing).
• Support production during trials, first runs, and changeovers, and troubleshoot issues on the line.
• Write packaging work instructions and train production staff on packaging standards. Launch Support & Cross-Functional Work:
• Make packaging readiness a real gate in our launch process by flagging risks and timeline impacts early.
• Coordinate with R&D, Compliance, Marketing/Design, Supply Chain, and Operations on all packaging decisions.

Cost & Continuous Improvement

• Track packaging costs per SKU and find savings without compromising quality.
• Evaluate packaging improvements: material optimization, sustainability options, and shipping damage reduction.
• Support compliance with packaging regulations, including food-contact materials and state packaging and EPR requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• You have packaging development experience in food, beverage, or dietary supplements, working with rigid containers (glass, PET, aluminum), closures, labels, and secondary and shipping packaging.
• You have hands-on testing experience: closure torque, leak and seal integrity, label adhesion, and transit/distribution testing using ISTA or ASTM methods.
• You write clear specifications and BOMs and manage document version control confidently.
• You know label materials, adhesives, and print processes (flexo and digital), including labels for refrigerated products.
• You know FDA food-contact packaging requirements and have worked in a GMP-regulated environment.
• You can read dielines and review artwork for technical accuracy (Adobe Illustrator/Acrobat at review level).
• You have advanced Excel skills and experience managing BOMs and item data in an ERP system.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with packaging line equipment (labelers, shrink tunnels, bundling, or case packing).
• Experience with refrigerated or hot-fill products.
• Structural packaging CAD skills (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).
• A degree in Packaging Science or Engineering, or an IoPP CPP certification.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging and state EPR regulations.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and packaging suppliers.

Ready to Make Waves in Packaging?

Let’s grow something true together.