Packaging Innovation Specialist – NPD & Sustainability

Refresco Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pre-employment medical assessment

Job summary

Refresco Group is seeking a Packaging Specialist for our Sydney-based Technical/NPD Commercialisation team. You’ll drive packaging innovation, sustainability initiatives and governance across the beverage portfolio, collaborating with Operations, Quality, Commercial and external suppliers.

You will lead packaging cost optimisation, support new product development, and ensure compliance with packaging standards while enhancing production efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Packaging Technology or related field.
• Experience in packaging development, technology or engineering in FMCG manufacturing.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, recyclability requirements and circular economy.
• Experience working with packaging suppliers, converters and manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain packaging specification library and document control.
• Support NPD packaging trials, carton sizing and material selection.
• Manage packaging workflows in NPD systems for new materials and launches.
• Lead cost-optimisation projects including lightweighting and shrink reduction.
• Investigate and resolve packaging performance issues relating to transport and line performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and packaging reliability.
• Support sustainability initiatives including rPET implementation and recyclability improvements.
• Manage ARL implementation and maintenance programs.
• Coordinate CDS registrations and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Oversee GS1 barcode verification and product image management workflows.
• Act as primary technical interface with packaging suppliers and cross-functional partners.
• Develop packaging standards, testing methodologies and technical procedures.

Skills

Packaging development experience

Packaging materials knowledge

NPD packaging support

Sustainability knowledge

Supplier management

Analytical & problem solving

GS1 standards knowledge

Stakeholder management

Packaging optimisation

Education

Packaging Technology / related discipline

Job description

Refresco Group is seeking a Packaging Specialist for our Sydney-based Technical/NPD Commercialisation team. You’ll drive packaging innovation, sustainability initiatives and governance across the beverage portfolio, collaborating with Operations, Quality, Commercial and external suppliers.

You will lead packaging cost optimisation, support new product development, and ensure compliance with packaging standards while enhancing production efficiency and product quality.