Packaging Development Specialist

• You will be the technical lead, responsible to ensure the successful development and launch of specialised projects for the Culinary portfolio. You bring deep packaging knowledge and understanding to develop and get the most out of these projects. You will be responsible for translating the marketing NPD Brief into packaging specifications, working with Culinary Operations Supply Chain to design for manufacture, carrying out research in order to advise marketing on global trends and local preferences. In addition, you lead the CI program to re-engineer existing packaging to improve profitability and quality.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Offer dedicated culinary development support to the TBM & Marketing team, through specialised culinary and beverages science knowledge.
• Assess the feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief and design the specifications and plans to implement. Develop packaging in agreement with the project team and in line with the NPD brief.
• Carry out Value Analysis, on specialised projects, as per project protocol (actual costs saved) whilst maintaining or enhancing packaging profile or customer experience.
• Work with Marketing on front end innovation workshops to develop packaging from concept and help to develop new ideas based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and suppliers.
• Work with Supply Chain, Factory operations and Capex teams to scope, design, and source new technologies for the culinary industry.
• Lead the packaging development of new packaging with third party suppliers.
• Own packaging, and work with Supply Chain to evaluate, manage, and approve the transition to a different packaging material or manufacturing process.
• Validate the successful transition from NPD development to implementation at the factories to ensure end product meets all requirements (e.g., Design Specifications, Design Quality Objective) and delights the customer.
• Research and understand global market trends through desktop initiatives, customer meetings, and advise Marketing.
• Provide specialist Packaging Development capability across Culinary brands, technologies and manufacturing sites, with resources deployed according to business and portfolio priorities rather than historical brand or regional boundaries
• Actively build R&D and factory technical capability through coaching, technical training, knowledge transfer, documentation of learnings and development of best practices across sites
• Identify, assess and recommend emerging packaging technologies, materials, processes, and external capabilities required to unlock the future innovation pipeline and long-term category strategy

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
Key attributes and competencies

• Technical Knowledge – bring to the team / business strong culinary science knowledge and experience
• Innovation – a deep understanding of the science and technology of culinary levers required to deliver advantaged innovation solution for the category
• Leadership – ability to work across functional disciplines
• Team work– ability to work well with R&D, Marketing and Supply Chain
• 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 and problems
• Delivery Driven – ability to prioritise and manage deliverables

Experience

• 8 – 10 years of experience in R&D with 3-4 years in the culinary/ beverages industry.
• The art of culinary and beverages knowledge and experience
• Proven track record of innovation delivery (successful product launches)
• BTEC/BSC in Science, Tech., Eng. or equivalent