Project Manager - Packaging & Turnkey Development (Santa Monica)

Who We Are

At HCT by kdc/one, we bring beauty brands to life through innovation in packaging, formulation, and full-service execution. From concept to shelf, we sit at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and operational excellence.

We are seeking a mid-level Project Manager with strong experience in beauty packaging and turnkey product development to support development-heavy projects within our NYC office.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments where sampling, revisions, client communication, and cross-functional coordination are constant and critical to success.

Position Overview:

The Project Manager is responsible for managing development-heavy customer projects from concept through production. This role requires frequent coordination of sampling, packaging development, formula timelines, and client submissions while serving as the primary liaison between clients, sales, internal teams, and suppliers.

This individual ensures that packaging, formula, testing, artwork, and production readiness all progress in parallel to meet launch timelines.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Sampling Ownership

• Manage projects requiring frequent sampling, revisions, and client submissions
• Coordinate PD presentations, development samples, and client feedback loops
• Oversee multi-SKU skincare and color cosmetic launches with complex development timelines
• Ensure sampling, testing, compatibility, and approvals stay aligned with packaging milestones
• Maintain proactive client communication during development phases to prevent delays
• Navigate custom tooling projects and technical packaging challenges during development

Packaging & Component Development

• Source stock and custom packaging components from approved suppliers
• Negotiate costing, MOQs, lead times, and supplier capabilities
• Establish packaging standards, specifications, and acceptable defect ranges with clients
• Review development samples, QA pieces, and production samples
• Collaborate with designers and engineers on renderings, sketches, and technical feasibility

Turnkey / Product Development Coordination

• Manage full turnkey projects including packaging, formula, accessories, filling, and testing
• Coordinate formula submissions, compatibility testing, artwork approvals, and regulatory timelines
• Ensure client timing is maintained across both packaging and formula development milestones
• Provide feedback to guide clients toward successful end development

Project Ownership & Client Management

• Develop project scopes, timelines, and objectives with stakeholders
• Act as main point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead meetings independently with customers and cross-functional teams
• Translate technical challenges into clear client-friendly communication
• Troubleshoot delays, quality issues, and scope changes while maintaining momentum

Commercial & Administrative Oversight

• Issue program quotations, cost sheets, and pricing agreements
• Accurately quote transit and freight costs
• Issue Purchase Orders and maintain organized customer files
• Manage changes in scope, schedule, and cost using appropriate verification techniques
• Maintain detailed project documentation and trackers

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Strong understanding of beauty packaging development and supplier capabilities
• Working knowledge of the beauty formula development lifecycle
• Experience managing development-heavy projects with frequent sampling
• Comfort working with factories, suppliers, clients, PD, and sales simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions
• Ability to balance aesthetics, technical feasibility, cost targets, quality, and timing

Qualifications

• Preferred; Bachelor’s Degree
• 3–5 years of experience in beauty, cosmetic packaging, or consumer goods project management
• Experience with both packaging components and turnkey/full-service development
• Experience managing projects with heavy sampling and client submission cycles
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Why You’ll Love Working at HCT by kdc/one

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, wellness resources, employee programs, and a collaborative environment where innovation and ownership are valued.