Design Director Packaging

Description:

Wella Company, one of the world’s leading beauty companies with a portfolio including Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin, and ghd, is seeking a highly experienced Design Director, Packaging RH. This role will lead global packaging innovation and development for RH, overseeing all packaging projects from concept to production while ensuring premium aesthetics, brand alignment, and sustainability compliance.

The Design Director will be responsible for creating new product concepts, mood boards, and breakthrough packaging strategies that elevate the RH aesthetic. They will manage a team of designers, retouchers, and production artists, ensuring all deliverables meet quality and printing standards. Expertise in tooling unique shapes, complex printing processes, and sustainable packaging technologies is essential.

This position requires collaboration with marketing teams, R&D, packaging development, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive packaging excellence, maintain a packaging standards library, and oversee all corporate pack initiatives. The candidate must ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with ESG initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development of packaging for RH, from concept to production.

• Establish and manage a packaging library for best-in-class materials and technical information.

• Conceptualize innovative, consumer-focused packaging that aligns with ESG standards.

• Manage retouching for all RH product launches and presentations.

• Ensure all packaging meets premium quality and printing requirements.

• Drive innovation in packaging and inspire creative teams to push boundaries.

• Collaborate with global teams to establish synergies across brands.

• Lead a team of designers, retouchers, and production artists, setting goals and ensuring timely delivery.

• Navigate complex global structures and adapt to changing business needs.

• Oversee budgets, timelines, and production approvals, including comps and quality checks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design or a related field.

• Extensive knowledge of the hair category/retail environment and packaging development.

• Modern and elevated aesthetic with attention to detail.

• 15+ years’ experience leading packaging and retouching teams within global brands or agencies.

• Expertise in complex printing processes, file execution, and production requirements.

• Strong leadership, presentation, and collaboration skills.

• Knowledge of beauty industry trends and competitive packaging landscape.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Monthly salary: 10666 – 14166 USD

• Annual bonus or variable pay (role-dependent)

• Health, life, and disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Paid holidays and PTO