THE JOB AT A GLANCE

You are responsible for the successful development and launch of good quality, differentiated, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging innovation. This includes re-engineering of existing packaging. You will develop both deep material expertise (sourcing, design, manufacture) and deep category expertise and become known in the organisation for this. You will ensure that documentation and reporting around packaging development and timely and concise. Where necessary you will work with and manage packaging suppliers to deliver packaging product. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop the packaging design and work with Product Technologist and Supply Chain to ensure that it supports both the product requirements and the manufacturing requirements. Create the packaging specification and requirements to support this
• From development, manage the packaging for innovation through to commercialisation and smooth manufacturing.
• Support Manufacturing on existing packaging where problems may occur and focus on re-engineering and cost efficiency improvements
• Work with Packaging Manager and R&D Manager to appropriately allocate your time and expertise to the projects and Category partners
• Engage with procurement regarding supplier selection and work with Manufacturing to determine plant requirements and Capex investment if necessary. Complete machine diagrams/ die lines and get it signed off by the unit. Determine pallet configurations
• If appropriate, work with external suppliers to jointly design and develop packaging. This includes the design and management of packaging specifications and requirements for manufacture
• Develop deep material expertise through working on specific projects, carrying out research, and working with suppliers. Work with Packaging Manager to decide how to capture and share this knowledge
• Work with R&D Manager, Lead Packaging Technologist, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, and to ensure that packaging design changes are carried out in a controlled and consistent fashion
• Correct and timeous completion of documentation and systems and ensuring it is correctly captured (Packaging Circulation form, Trial request, trial report, PLM, Oracle/SAP etc.)
• Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run online.
• Carry out and complete shelf life tests (ambient / Accelerated), dHACCP studies (communicate any sensitive packaging / changes to the plant or processes), and travel tests. Attend print runs to confirm packaging within spec
• Packaging mass balance and Packaging yield determination
• Facilitate circulation of artwork. Communication with design house. Check artwork
• Hand over approved colour standard to the lab
• Complete and sign off of handover documentation ensuring that this is done in a controlled fashion that ensures no balls are dropped
• Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new packaging (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.)

WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON

• Successful packaging launches
• Development of material expertise
• Documentation management
• Value analysis / Cost Savings 
• Savings from Sustainability

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

Key attributes and competencies

• Technical Knowledge – knowledge of the makeup of different packaging
• Team work– ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally
• Clear communication – ability to clearly articulate project goals, status, and challenges as well as managing stakeholder expectations
• Problem-solving and analysis – proactively identify and mitigate potential risks
  Delivery Driven – ability to prioritise and manage conflicting demands of your time

Experience

• 3 years in packaging development within an FMCG
• Packaging Diploma or equivalent