Packaging Development Manager

About the role

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Qualification

• Engineering degree or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline
• Closing Date: 16/11/26

Position Summary

With a history spanning over 150 years, Nestlé is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. We are looking for a Packaging Development Manager to join our team at the Agbara Factory.

The Packaging Development Manager will drive and support business growth by delivering packaging solutions that respond to consumer and business needs while meeting Nestlé requirements for quality, safety, efficiency, sustainability and compliance.

A Day in the Life of a Packaging Development Manager

Packaging Development & Innovation

• Lead packaging activities for new product development and introduction, delivering solutions on time, on cost and on quality.
• Translate consumer, customer and business needs into effective packaging functions, specifications and technical solutions.
• Drive successful launches and vertical start-up across different product categories, packaging formats and filling/packing technologies.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure packaging materials and operations comply with company requirements and applicable national/international regulations.
• Drive food-contact packaging CoC validation/documentation and implementation of the Packaging Material Monitoring Plan with Quality, R&D/PTC and Packaging stakeholders.
• Lead packaging quality improvements and corrective actions to reduce packaging-related consumer complaints and safety/quality issues.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Drive packaging-material reduction and lower-environmental-impact solutions using tools such as PIQET/LCA where appropriate.
• Support factory operations in waste reduction, problem solving, efficiency improvement and NCE/DMAIC initiatives.
• Identify and implement packaging cost, quality and environmental improvements without compromising product or consumer requirements.

Supplier & Packaging Capability

• Manage technical relationships with suppliers, converters and co-packers and participate in supplier/converter audits.
• Lead resolution of packaging-material issues with suppliers and the factory packaging team.
• Develop and coach the three-person packaging team and maintain strong links with Packaging Expert Networks and technology partners.

Factory Leadership & Collaboration

• Contribute as a member of the Factory Management Team.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs and R&D.
• Bring external packaging trends and best practices into Agbara’s complex multi-category, multi-machine environment.

Key Success Measures

• Successful new launches and vertical start-up
• Reduction in packaging safety and quality issues
• Improvement in food-contact packaging CoC quality/compliance
• Reduction in packaging environmental impact and material usage
• Reduction in packaging-material issues and waste
• Supplier/converter audit effectiveness
• Material cost savings and NCE/DMAIC contribution
• Reduction in packaging-related consumer complaints
• Capability development within the packaging team

What will make you successful?

• An Engineering degree or equivalent. Relevant disciplines may include Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or other appropriate Engineering fields.
• Proven packaging experience in a manufacturing environment. Food/FMCG packaging experience is preferred, while strong pharmaceutical packaging experience will also be considered.
• Experience with multiple product categories, packaging formats and filling/packing equipment. Multi-site or complex-factory exposure is strongly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of packaging technology, material specifications and conversion processes.
• Competence in packaging safety, quality and compliance, together with awareness of relevant packaging technology platforms.
• Experience in supplier/converter management and auditing.
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability, material reduction and environmental-impact assessment approaches.
• Factory experience in filling and packing operations, with an understanding of line automation.
• Knowledge of HACCP, hygienic engineering, TPM/LEAN and SHE principles is advantageous.
• Ability to lead and coach a team, collaborate at Factory Management level and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience with SAP, GLOBE, NPDI and Cape Pack is advantageous.