Sr. Packaging Development Project Manager

The Vita Coco Company, created in 2004 by Co-CEO Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, produces the leading brand of coconut water in the United States with a growing presence around the world. The Vita Coco Company’s brands include the leading coconut water, Vita Coco; clean energy drink Runa; premium canned water, Ever & Ever; and protein-infused water, PWR LIFT.

In 2021, The Vita Coco Company became a publicly traded, Public Benefit Corporation. With a growing portfolio of natural products, The Vita Coco Company has identified its public benefit purpose as creating ethical, sustainable products that uplift communities and do right by our planet by harnessing and protecting nature’s resources.

In 2022, The Vita Coco Company was certified as a B Corporation™ furthering the Company’s commitment toward operating its business as a force for good, while delivering better-for-you products.

Vita Coco is headquartered in New York City with international offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and London.

About Vita Coco:

At Vita Coco, we believe in delivering natural hydration while giving back to the communities that make it all possible. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is what drives our brand forward. We’re looking for a passionate Sr. Packaging Development Project Manager to help us enhance our packaging solutions while aligning with our sustainability goals.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Packaging Development Project Manager will serve as a pivotal contributor to Vita Coco’s innovation strategy, driving the development and execution of cutting-edge packaging solutions. This role combines a passion for sustainability with deep technical expertise, guiding projects from initial concept through production while ensuring alignment with our Responsible Packaging Roadmap and broader ESG objectives. You'll collaborate with global teams and external partners to deliver packaging that resonates with consumers and supports our mission of giving back to the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Innovation & Trends: Drive continuous packaging innovation by presenting scalable concepts, technologies, and market trends that align with Vita Coco’s sustainability and brand objectives.
• Strategy & ESG Execution: Develop and implement Vita Coco’s Responsible Packaging Roadmap in collaboration with the ESG and Innovation teams. Identify sustainable materials, set clear goals to reduce environmental impact, and track progress toward packaging sustainability targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams (Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Product Development) to ensure packaging strategies align with broader ESG initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction, recyclability, and resource efficiency.
• Vendor Collaboration: Partner with external vendors and subcontractors to define packaging specifications, design criteria, and quality standards throughout the lifecycle, from production to filling and assembly.
• Sustainable Innovation: Research and implement environmentally friendly materials and processes (e.g., biodegradable, renewable solutions) that support scalability and align with Vita Coco’s sustainability goals, including primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.
• Compliance & Certifications: Ensure all packaging solutions meet relevant environmental regulations and certifications (e.g., FSC, BPI). Lead efforts to obtain certifications that validate Vita Coco’s commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with external partners, including suppliers and sustainability consultants, to source responsible materials and ensure adherence to ESG standards. Engage with the Vita Coco Foundation to integrate community-driven sustainability efforts where relevant.
• Tracking & Reporting: Monitor and report on progress toward packaging sustainability goals, providing updates to senior leadership and contributing to annual ESG reports with data on environmental and social impacts.
• Technical Support: Coordinate with manufacturing partners, Technical, and Quality teams to ensure packaging meets all technical requirements for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.
• Feasibility & Cost Analysis: Collaborate with Operations to assess manufacturability, cost efficiency, investment needs, and lead times for each packaging concept.
• Project Management: Lead multiple packaging projects, managing timelines and ensuring objectives are achieved in terms of design, quality, cost, and functionality.
• Sourcing & Supply Chain: Develop sourcing and supply chain strategies, leveraging a global network of vendors to ensure scalable, high-quality packaging solutions.
• Risk Management: Identify risks within packaging programs and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with Operations and QA teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in packaging development or project management, preferably within the CPG or beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience applying ISO 14001 standards to packaging development, including monitoring and measuring environmental impacts, ensuring compliance, and driving sustainability initiatives.
• Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, design, and production processes.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and working with global supply chains.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively across time zones, particularly with teams in Asia (Singapore).
• Passion for sustainability and innovative packaging solutions.

At The Vita Coco Company, compensation decisions are dependent upon a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to skill set, experience, education, training, licensure and certifications, knowledge and abilities of the applicant, alignment with market data, and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current pay range for this position is $110,000-$120,000. This range may vary for positions that will be performed outside of California, Colorado, Nevada, New York City, Westchester County, NY, Rhode Island, or Washington.

Vita Coco Co. is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.