Associate Art Director - Packaging

amika means friend. we’re a fearless, Brooklyn-born, salon-raised haircare brand + a friend to all hair, hairstylists, the planet + you.

we’re rooted in clinical results. each product is infused with our intoxicating scent + powered by our superfruit soul, sea buckthorn. known as one of earth’s most omega-rich plant sources, this potent berry nourishes your skin, scalp + strands.

we’re a proud pal to the planet + certified B-Corp. from sustainably sourced ingredients + recyclable packaging to our energy-saving production processes, we pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, waste + energy to reach Net Zero by 2030.

having grown up in salons, we know better than anyone how important stylists are—they’re our confidantes + community. Think of us as your at-home hairapist, here to empower self-expression + bring joy to your haircare experience. all hair is welcome™.

The Job

As the Associate Art Director for amika, you will play a leadership role in developing innovative and visually captivating packaging and merchandise designs for the brand's haircare and styling products. You will collaborate with the amika creative, brand, sales, and procurement teams to create packaging solutions that reflect the brand's unique identity, engage target consumers, and contribute to the overall brand experience. This role requires a deep understanding of amika's aesthetic, excellent design skills, and the ability to translate brand values into compelling packaging designs.

location: Brooklyn, NY (can work remotely, must be willing and able to come into office when needed)

salary: $110,000 - $125,000 + benefits

What You'll Do

Conceptualize and Design:

• Develop creative concepts for packaging designs that align with Amika's brand identity, values, and target audience.
• Create visually stunning packaging designs that effectively communicate the essence, benefits, and uniqueness of amika products.
• Incorporate amika's signature color palettes, typography, and visual elements into packaging designs to maintain brand consistency.
• Manage the design and production of all product packaging. Includes concept presentations (concept decks, mood boards, drawings, renderings, and models), managing of all departmental DTO's, packaging standards.
• Work with comp houses on all presentation samples.
• Support with sourcing and utilizing outside vendors, artists, and designers for new innovative package solutions.
• Oversee and manage packaging press runs and other production runs.
• Explore design trends, techniques, and materials to enhance the overall packaging aesthetics and appeal.
  
  

Collaborate And Communicate

• Work closely with the amika creative team to understand brand guidelines, project requirements, and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with visual merchandising, procurement, product marketing, product development to create highly desired designs and ensure seamless execution of packaging designs.
• Present design concepts to stakeholders, incorporating feedback and revising meet the brand's expectations.
• Manage multiple packaging design projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to timelines and delivering high-quality designs on schedule.
• Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and manufacturers to oversee the production process and ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Effectively communicate design ideas, inspirations, and rationale to ensure alignment with the amika brand vision.
  
  

Must Haves

• Proven experience as a packaging designer, preferably with a focus on beauty, haircare, or personal care products.
• Strong portfolio showcasing innovative packaging designs that align with brand identities and appeal to target consumers.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools.
• Knowledge of packaging design principles, materials, printing techniques, and production processes in the beauty industry.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey design concepts and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management abilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining attention to detail.
  
  

Nice-to-haves

• People management experience. This role currently does not have direct reports, but there is a potential to add team members as the organization grows.
• Familiarity with trends and best practices in beauty packaging design.
• You live in Brooklyn and can visit the office regularly for quality control, sample review packaging presentations, etc.
  
  

ready to apply?

Please click the link that will bring you to our careers page through Greenhouse. Submit a cover letter describing yourself and why you’d be the perfect fit, along with your resume.