Job Purpose
- Lead the development, optimization and commercialization of packaging solutions for food products to ensure product quality, shelf-life, manufacturing efficiency, cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance and consumer appeal. Work closely with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, QA, Production and suppliers to deliver packaging innovations and improvements aligned with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Innovation
- Develop new packaging structures, materials, and formats for new product development (NPD), renovation and cost optimization projects.
- Evaluate packaging suitability for various food categories such as biscuits, snacks and confectionery.
- Conduct packaging benchmarking against competitors and market trends.
- Support sustainability initiatives including recyclable, mono-material, downgauging and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
- Work with suppliers to identify innovative packaging technologies and materials.
Technical Evaluation & Validation
- Conduct packaging trials at lab and production scale.
- Validate packaging performance and troubleshooting packaging-related issues during production and commercialization.
- Coordinate transit tests, drop tests, compression tests, and storage studies where required
Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Marketing on packaging aesthetic, claims and consumer requirements.
- Work closely with Production and Engineering to ensure packaging compatibility with existing machinery.
- Partner with Procurement for supplier qualification and cost optimization.
Commercialization & Project Management
- Lead Packaging implementation timelines for new launches and renovation projects.
- Prepare technical documents including specifications, BOM, artwork checks, packaging standards and trial reports.
- Manage packaging change control and risk assessment.
- Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timeframes and cost targets.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Engage with packaging suppliers for technical support, material improvement and troubleshooting.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities and conduct packaging material assessments.
Education/Experiences (Minimum entry level requirements for the job)
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Technology/ Food Science & Technology/ Material Science/ Polymer Engineering/ Chemical Engineering/Industrial Engineering or related field.
- Packaging-related certifications are an added advantage.
- 1-2 years of experience in packaging development within food manufacturing industry.
- Experience handling flexible packaging, corrugated packaging or rigid packaging.
- Exposure to packaging trials and commercialization activities.
- Strong project management and coordination skills.
- Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to work in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
