Packaging Development Manager Jobs in California

Packaging Development Manager

Company: Likely, Inc.

Location: Pasadena, CA

Salary: $85,000–$90,000 Annually

Type: Full-time, On-Site

About Likely Inc.

Likely Inc. is a Pasadena based design studio and manufacturing partner specializing in luxury packaging and branded merchandise. We are Architects of Packaging, offering end to end services from concept and structural design to sourcing, production, and logistics.

We work with some of the most exciting and design forward brands across food, beverage, hospitality, and lifestyle, including Flamingo Estate, EREWHON, Fishwife, and many other cool brands leading the industry, creating packaging that lives both on shelf and in culture.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Development Manager to join our growing team in Pasadena, CA. This is a senior-level management position for someone with extensive hands-on experience in packaging development and project management within the packaging industry.

This role requires a self-managed, highly experienced individual who understands the complete packaging development process from concept through production. The ideal candidate has true product development knowledge, understands packaging construction and manufacturing limitations, and can confidently guide projects with minimal oversight.

You will work directly with ownership, clients, the creative department, our China office, and manufacturing partners to develop luxury packaging programs across multiple product categories. We are looking for someone who brings curiosity, technical packaging knowledge, leadership, and strong communication skills to help us continue building and growing our development team.

While training will be provided on our internal systems, workflow, and product categories, this position is intended for someone who can immediately contribute with real industry experience and management-level thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage packaging development projects from concept through production across paper goods, glass, metal tins, fabric items, and custom merchandise.

• Work directly with ownership and clients to understand project goals, creative direction, technical requirements, and production expectations.

• Translate artwork, concepts, and client requests into clear development instructions and technical specifications for both internal teams and factories.

• Coordinate closely with our China office and manufacturing partners to ensure products are developed accurately and efficiently.

• Understand packaging structures, material capabilities, production limitations, print processes, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Source and recommend appropriate materials, finishes, and construction methods based on design intent, functionality, timeline, and budget.

• Create and manage project timelines, development schedules, sampling updates, and production follow-through.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients regarding project updates, timelines, revisions, and technical feedback.

• Problem-solve development challenges while proactively identifying solutions before they impact timelines or production.

• Manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.

• Assist in building and improving internal development processes as the company continues to grow.

• Eventually help support and manage future product development team growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in packaging development, packaging management, or product development within the packaging industry.

• Strong experience developing luxury packaging products including rigid boxes, folding cartons, bags, mailers, inserts, glass vessels, metal tins, and specialty packaging.

• Deep understanding of packaging materials, paper stocks, printing methods, manufacturing processes, structural packaging, and production limitations.

• Proven ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision.

• Experience coordinating with overseas factories and international production teams, particularly in China, is highly preferred.

• Strong technical knowledge with the ability to communicate development requirements clearly to vendors and production teams.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.

• Strong leadership mindset with the ability to take ownership of projects and drive them forward.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while staying detail-oriented and solution-focused.

• Strong client communication and presentation skills.

• Highly proactive with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

• Experience in luxury packaging, cosmetics, fragrance, candle, wellness, or lifestyle industries is highly preferred.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a fast-growing luxury packaging company working with premium brands.

• Collaborative and creative work environment.

• Career growth and leadership opportunities.

• Health benefits after probationary period.

• Opportunity to work on innovative packaging across multiple product categories and materials.

To Apply

Please email your resume and portfolio to hello@likelyus.com