Packaging Development Manager

Our Client:Our client is a leading food manufacturing business with an established portfolio across condiments and flour based products. As the business continues to strengthen product innovation, quality and manufacturing efficiency, they are looking for an experienced Packaging Development Manager to lead the packaging development agenda.Your Role:You will own packaging development from concept through commercialization, ensuring solutions deliver on product integrity, consumer appeal, manufacturability, regulatory compliance and cost.This is a hands-on technical role working at the intersection of R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Quality and Manufacturing.Key Responsibilities: • Lead structural packaging development across the condiments and pasta portfolio• Translate product and consumer briefs into technically viable packaging solutions• Drive packaging innovation, value engineering and material optimization initiatives• Lead stability testing, production trials and commercialization of new packaging• Evaluate packaging materials, technologies and suppliers• Partner with suppliers on technical specifications, quality and capability improvement• Work with Marketing on artwork, color management and packaging execution• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality or product performance• Establish packaging specifications, technical documentation and quality standards• Ensure packaging meets relevant regulatory and legislative requirements• Stay close to emerging packaging technologies, materials and industry trendsMust Have:• 8+ years of relevant experience within a multinational or leading food manufacturing business• At least 5 years of deep packaging development experience within condiments or closely related food categories• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, structural development, testing and industrialization• Experience taking packaging projects from concept through plant trials and commercial launch• Strong supplier development and technical evaluation capability• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline• Strong project, stakeholder and people management skillsWe're particularly interested in packaging professionals who can balance innovation with practicality. A great design still needs to survive the production line, protect the product, satisfy the consumer and make commercial sense.Mindfield – Making a Differencemindfieldresources.com