Packaging Development Specialist

Job Summary

The Packaging Development Specialist is responsible for designing, evaluating and implementing food packaging solutions that ensure product safety, quality, target shelf-life, cost efficient, consumer appeal, and sustainable. The role supports the business objectives by regulatory standards compliance, driving packaging innovations aligned with market and consumer trends.

The position requires close coordination with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Production, Quality Assurance and Suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Packaging Development and Innovation

2. Design, develop, and recommend packaging solutions for new and existing products.

3. Introduce innovative, sustainable, operations/consumer-friendly packaging solutions aligned with market trends
4. Evaluate packaging materials, cost, and formats in terms of material composition, functionality, safety and regulatory compliance.

5. Review cost structures and recommend savins opportunities without compromising product quality or safety.

6. Testing & Validation

7. Plan, coordinate and conduct packaging trials, line tests and compatibility studies to ensure suitability for manufacturing capability and distribution.

8. Performs shelf-life and stability testing to validate packaging performance under varied storage, handling and distribution conditions

9. Assess packaging performance (such as barrier properties, seal integrity, transport durability and other tests needed) to ensure reliability.

10. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support

11. Partner with Product Development product owners to provide appropriate solutions tailored to products requirements (e.g. formulation, moisture content, oxygen sensitivity, shelf-life and process design).

12. Support Operations in establishing packaging line efficiency, machine compatibility and troubleshooting issues.
13. Collaborate with Marketing to design packaging that enhances consumer experience and brand identity.
14. Coordinate with packaging suppliers for material sourcing, testing and qualifications.

15. Work closely with Supply Chain and Planning Group, Purchasing, Finance and Regulatory teams to ensure smooth project implementation.

16. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

17. Ensure packaging complies with food safety regulatory standards (local and exports distribution) and corporate sustainability guidelines.

18. Create and maintain updated and accurate ISO-related documents, technical service reports, and other technical documentation.

19. Provide support during ISO audits and regulatory inspections related to packaging.

20. Business Process and Systems (SAP)

21. Create, update and maintain packaging material master data in SAP

22. Ensure accuracy of bill of materials (BOMs) and material usage for cost tracking.

Qualifications and Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, or any related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in packaging development, R&D or related function; with FMCG experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and experimental design, with hands-on experience in packaging trials and testing methodologies
• Knowledge of packaging materials (e.g. plastics, laminates, metals, cartons and other food packaging materials) and their food applications.
• Familiar with packaging regulations, labeling requirements and sustainability standards.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and project management skills

Key Competencies

• Technical Expertise

• Strong foundation in packaging science and material properties and food safety requirements

• Innovative & Creativity
  – Ability to design and implement effective forward-thinking solutions.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
  – Data-driven approach to testing and troubleshooting.
• Adaptability
  – Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Business Acumen
  – Clear understanding of role in supporting business continuity and performance.