Packaging Development Manager at Danone

The Packaging Development Manager occupies a position within the research and development department of Danone. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the Research, Innovation and Quality Director in packaging activities and directly supporting individual projects independently.

• Lead and manage the Packaging development workstream for Danone SA and ensure execution of projects in    line with category and market trends.
• Design packaging systems with creativity while considering their contribution to the project's P& L
• Partner with external suppliers and collaborate with internal teams to identify cost saving projects, identify capabilities and lead implementation of cost saving targets.
• Research and develop new materials, shapes, and assembly lines for Danone's portfolio of brands and products. Development of primary, secondary and transport packaging for and in collaboration with the Marketing, Sales, Production, Engineering and Supply Chain departments.
• Benchmarking of competitor products, building robust packaging technology pipeline and use the information to assess competitive advantages for consumer benefits, packaging costs and functionality benefits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, other Danone subsidiaries, factories, manufacturing partners and other applicable technology sources.
• Keep up to date with new technologies for opportunities to contribute to Danone sustainable journey and local regulations.
• Ensure packaging specifications for all brands and materials are in place.
• Create a structure to organize and carry out trials in an industrial environment using the trial protocol
• Ensure quality of first production run for all products where new packaging is employed plus conduct plant training to ensure continuity
• Establish and maintain supplier networks and relations to align them and ensure high delivery into projects with value-add packaging solutions at affordable prices.
• Build a purpose-driven culture for the packaging team and inspirational leadership through Danone values and behaviors. Developing self and others on packaging technical knowledge, professional and general skills

Qualification(s);

• Packaging Diploma/Food Science Degree/Mechanical or Chemical Engineering oriented toward Packaging development.

Experience and Skills:

• 8-10 Years experience in Packaging Development within the FMCG environment preferable in a leadership role
• Advanced knowledge of MS Word, MS PPT and MS Excel, CAPE PACK
• Proven leadership in multidisciplinary teams (including marketing, sales, purchasing and manufacturing representatives) focused on developing new products and implementing of innovation strategies.
• Solid knowledge and experience in project management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment; autonomy and a demonstrated ability to propose new solutions and ideas spontaneously.
• Must be willing and able to travel mainly to co-packers and distribution centers for travel test assessments.