Associate Product Development, Packaging

The Role

Athena Club is looking for an Associate, Product Development, Packaging, to join our Product Development team. Reporting to Senior Manager of Product Development, this Team Member will support the end-to-end packaging development process, including color matching, specification management, and technical problem-solving across our packaging and filling operations.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone early in their product development career who is eager to take ownership of programs and grow within a fast-paced consumer goods environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Manager in day-to-day packaging development across primary, secondary, and tertiary components (bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, caps, cartons, shippers, etc.)
• Build and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for new and existing SKUs, ensuring accuracy of component codes, component specifications, descriptions, quantities, and supplier sourcing; manage BOM revisions and version control through product changes
• Create and manage SKU codes and item setup documentation for new product launches; maintain organized records of active, discontinued, and pipeline SKUs
• Support color matching activities across packaging substrates – track Pantone references, supplier color submissions, redirects, and approval sign-offs
• Take ownership of packaging development programs (e.g., shave, existing product lines) from concept through production – managing packaging testing, timelines, tracking milestones, and coordinating cross-functional deliverables through each development gate
• Maintain organized communication with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers; track open action items and ensure timely follow-up on quotes, lead times, MOQs, and tooling timelines
• Troubleshoot packaging compatibility issues related to filling operations, formula interactions and transit, ensuring components are designed and specified to run efficiently on filling lines
• Support cross quoting and evaluating multiple vendors to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliability across the packaging supply base
• Maintain organized documentation of packaging specifications, test results, and development records

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience in packaging development, product development, or a closely related role within the consumer goods, beauty, personal care, or CPG industries
• Working knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, glass, metal, paper) and how material choices impact cost, sustainability, performance and lead time
• Familiarity with packaging manufacturing and print production processes (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, flexographic and digital printing, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining BOMs, master data, specifications and UPCs
• Extremely detail-oriented. You catch what others miss and maintain meticulous documentation
• Self-starter with a proactive and solution orientated mindset
• Comfortable managing multiple programs simultaneously and escalating quickly when needed
• Effective communicator who can collaborate across Product Development, Supply Chain, and Operations

Nice to Have

• Experience with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and the ability to create and modify packaging drawings
• Experience with color matching and color management across different substrates and printing methods
• Experience supporting launches at Target or other major retail partners, including limited-edition SKU and bundle/set packaging execution
• Exposure to filling operations, packaging line compatibility, or manufacturing troubleshooting a plus
• Experience with consumer research and applying insights to packaging and product development decisions
• Familiarity with stage-gate development processes and cross-functional development cycles

The (+) Extras

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

• Life + Disability

• HSA or FSA

• Commuter benefits

• 401K

• Weekly team lunches

• Optional Bi-Weekly Team Workouts

• Annual Offsite "Camp Athena Club"