Job Description

Innovation & Strategy

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for packaging that aligns with business objectives, sustainability goals (e.g., circular economy, reduced plastic), and cost efficiency.
• Lead the entire New Product Development (NPD) process, from idea generation to lab-scale prototyping and industrial trials.
• Conduct technology and competitor benchmarking to identify emerging materials, processes, and design trends that offer competitive advantage.

Technical Development & Execution

• Manage material qualification and selection for flexible films, rigid plastics (PET, PP), paperboard, and barrier materials to ensure optimal food preservation and shelf life.
• Oversee design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities to ensure packaging compatibility with existing production equipment and maximize efficiency.
• Direct the team in developing detailed technical specifications, drawings, material composition, and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Lead performance testing and validation (e.g., drop, seal-integrity, and transportation tests) to verify durability and compliance.

Compliance, Quality & Cost Management

• Ensure all packaging materials comply with global and local food-contact regulations (FDA, EU) and food-safety standards (BRCGS, FSSC 22000).
• Collaborate with Procurement to assess and qualify suppliers and alternative materials based on quality, performance, and cost.
• Drive cost-reduction and value-engineering (VAVE) projects to minimize waste and optimize cost-in-use while maintaining quality.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a high-performing technical team, promoting innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Act as the primary liaison among R&D, Marketing, Sales, Operations, QA, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth project transfer and commercial launches.

Job Requirement

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in R&D or Packaging Development, including at least 3 years in a managerial role within the food or FMCG packaging sector.
• Proven expertise in managing complex technical projects (Phase-Gate or Stage-Gate methodologies).
• In-depth technical knowledge of packaging technologies (lamination, extrusion, printing, filling systems).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of food-safety regulations for food-contact materials.
• Proficiency in packaging-design software (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks).
• Strategic thinking and the ability to convert business needs into actionable R&D plans.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Certifications in PMP or Continuous Improvement (e.g., Six Sigma) preferred.
• Experience with sustainability assessments (LCA) and circular-economy principles.