Innovation Packaging Manager

Spindrift

Spindrift

Newton, MA, USA
USD 75k-85k / year
Posted on Sep 26, 2025

About Spindrift

At Spindrift, we’re making every beverage a positive force of nature. Founded in 2010, we believe the best flavors come directly from nature. That’s why every Spindrift beverage is made the hard way—with real squeezed fruit, never from concentrate. From sourcing the best-tasting fruit globally to maintaining a carefully honed manufacturing process, we believe in doing things the hard way, the intentional way, the better albeit more challenging way, the right way – because, in the end, it's worth it. Spindrift® sparkling water is available nationwide, and Spindrift Spiked® hard seltzer and Spindrift SODA are available in select markets. We are also a proud member of 1% for the Planet, donating to environmental causes. Spindrift is headquartered in Newton, MA.

The Innovation Packaging Manager Role

The Innovation Packaging Manager will play an integral role supporting Spindrift innovation (and renovation) initiatives - primarily focused on packaging graphics development, print production, and execution. The Innovation Manager will report to the VP, Innovation, with day-to-day responsibilities that include creative project management and print production of multiple, complex initiatives – both short and long-term in nature across our product portfolios.

Responsibilities

  • Manage our internal suite of new and existing packaging files. Work with the design agency for new package graphics, concept renderings. Work with packaging vendors to bring new packages to life and execute changes or file updates on existing packages. Lead the internal file review proofing process, color proofing process, and on-site press checks for new items.
  • Work with the Sr. Innovation Manager, as well as the finance and operations team, to vet opportunities and understand the impact on the business (including internal and external resources required for project success).
  • Support the sales team with new package image requests, mockup sample requests, and other miscellaneous sell-in needs.
  • Maintain an executive summary in collaboration with the Sr. Manager, Innovation, that is updated on a weekly basis to roll up progress, challenges, and decisions for Exec Team alignment.
  • Pro-actively seek out opportunities in collaboration with the ops team packaging engineer to improve margin, environmental impact, speed-to-market, and quality in every package we make – with suggestions that are actionable, operationally feasible, and sustainable in the long-term.

Who You Are

left brained

  • Technically savvy; familiarity with the color proofing process and press checks
  • You bring method to the madness: a master of timelines and workback schedules to manage the process from greenlight to shelf
  • You’re able to navigate and coordinate (with the ops team) on all packaging graphics, proofing, and press checks

...and right-brained

  • You have the highest standards for quality and technical integrity to deliver flawless, premium product experiences.
  • You value exceptional design in packaging and are interested in what's next, what's fun, what's cool, what's interesting - and you know how to take that inspiration and channel it into your work. Your hunger for greatness is contagious and breathes life into the work.
  • You can adapt and pivot to different asks quickly - you value creativity and want to ultimately serve up the most memorable and positive product experience through creative solutions to challenging problems.
  • You possess insatiable curiosity and have a strong pulse on up-and-coming trends and production techniques that are being used to stand out on the shelf.

Passion, Energy, & Enthusiasm

  • You’ll be a high-energy, enthusiastic addition to the team that’s passionate and genuinely excited to share Spindrift with more people and will use every opportunity to fuel brand love.
  • You eagerly approach tasks with optimism and thrive on every small victory. You like to exceed expectations on a regular basis.
  • You don’t mind wearing lots of hats – e.g., assisting team members, becoming a part of the office culture, etc.
  • You are keen to try new things while building upon what’s working. You are humble, handle feedback well, and seek to find the best solution that delivers results on time and on budget.

Grace-under-fire, organized Self-Starter that loves working on a team

  • Our team runs on collaboration – you get the big picture, and you’re the type to roll up your sleeves and help at any time to bring it to life. No task is too small.
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently with strong project management and decision-making skills.
  • You love owning projects but are also great at soliciting helpful feedback from the team.
  • You keep things organized and at-the-ready so the team can respond in real-time.
  • Availability and willingness to work outside of normal office hours as needed.
  • Multi-tasker who can take the lead and can juggle multiple projects at once .

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree required – in Marketing or Business preferred.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of work experience with consumer-packaged goods required.
  • At least 1 year of Print production experience (especially in packaging) is a huge plus.
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Illustrator and Photoshop.

Additional Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to identify and collaborate cross-functionally internally and with customers as needed.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
  • Ability to travel on an as-needed basis to press checks and can pilots.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:

  • Short-term incentive programs specific to level and department.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected.
  • Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan with a company match.
  • Monthly cell phone allowance.
  • Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education.
  • A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
  • In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time.