Packaging Technologist (Northern Suburbs (Cape) at PEP

Description

• To assist with design, development, and implementation of sustainable, cost-effective, and functional packaging solutions for all clothing and non-clothing merchandise, ensuring compliance with regulations, brand aesthetics, and operational efficiency across the supply chain, from manufacturer to consumer. The Packaging Technologist will assist with overseeing packaging development projects from concept to implementation, ensuring technical viability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness and to ensure product protection, enhance consumer experience and meet sustainability goals.

Requirements

• Reduce the environmental impact of packaging and ensure all materials comply with regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with local & global packaging regulations and EPR
• Assist with spearheading and managing of projects related to sustainability initiatives, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation and alignment with the company's environmental pillars, goals and targets.
• Research & Trends: Stay current with global and local packaging innovation, technologies, and sustainability trends to propose and implement creative, yet practical, packaging solutions.
• Ensure all company policies, consumer legislation, packaging (labelling) legislation, waste & environmental legislation is adhered to.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities in packaging through value engineering and sourcing strategies.
• Maintain and continuously update packaging specifications to ensure compliance with current standards and to actively improve standards where possible and when needed.
• Assist with development, specifications, and approve all primary, secondary, and (tertiary) packaging formats, ensuring they meet product protection, shelf-life, handling, and merchandising requirements.
• Assist with packaging development workstream for NPD projects, from concept through to successful mass production and launch.
• Guide design decisions based on an understanding of various packaging materials and printing processes to ensure solutions are practical, cost-effective, and visually impactful..

Artwork Approval & Brand Consistency:

• Collaborate with the Marketing/Brand and Design teams to ensure the final technical execution of packaging (e.g., print quality,colour fidelity, substrate finish, structural design) perfectly aligns with the established PEP and Private Label Brand Identity guidelines and align packaging with Brand Identity.
• Review and approve packaging die lines, artwork briefs, and printer proofs (digital and physical) to ensure technical specifications are met and that all graphic elements are positioned correctly for print and production for all PEP Private Labels.
• Drive consumer focused packaging solutions.
• Act as the technical packaging expert in cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with Buying, Sourcing, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure packaging objectives align with business needs.
• Work closely with both local and global packaging suppliers to evaluate new materials, negotiate technical specifications, to ensure quality and reliability.
• Act as the critical link between the Creative Design team and the Packaging Suppliers/Printers.
• Ad Hoc tasks: Urgent Design Revisions, Rapid Problem-Solving, Unforeseen issues or tasks, Specialized or One-Off Projects, Support for Other Teams

JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or Diploma in Packaging Technology or Material Science or related
• 3- 5 years in similar role at a retail environment
• Understanding of Material Properties such as Plastics: PET, HDPE, PP, PVC, films (laminates, co-extrusions); Paper & Board: Corrugated fibreboard, folding cartonboard (virgin vs. recycled); Sustainable Alternatives: Understanding PLA, PHA, bio-based polymers, and certified compostable materials.
• An in-depth understanding of Packaging Conversion & Production Processes as related to Manufacturing Techniques; Filling & Sealing Technologies; Finishing & Decoration; and a comprehensive understanding of the packaging lifecycle and packaging functionality/performance.
• A strong understanding of Regulatory Compliance & Quality Systems (Environmental Directives; Quality Management Systems protocols as they relate to packaging material control and inspection; as well as Sustainability & Environmental Design
• Proven experience in Technical Drawing & Design Software Proficiency (Technical Drawing Software; Specification Creation; and Commercial Acumen)
• Highly skilled in Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting (Packaging Performance Testing; Line Trial Management; and Troubleshooting:)
• Cost Engineering & Value Analysis (Design for Manufacture (DFM); and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Experience in project & Stakeholder Management
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• An ability to collaborate and problem-solve within a cross-functional environment.

Closing Date: 13 February 2026