Packaging Material Technologist - Pharmaceutical

Aspen Pharma Australia; City of Greater Dandenong; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen Pharmacare Australia is seeking a Packaging Material Technologist to join the Packaging Development & Innovation team in Dandenong, Victoria. The role focuses on data collection, sustainability, and cost modelling to support packaging strategies across Aspen-branded products.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Services and Supply Chain to drive improvements in packaging design while ensuring compliance with APCO and related requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging role, preferably in pharmaceuticals or FMCG.
• Qualifications in packaging technology or sustainability are advantageous.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, technologies and sustainability principles.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging systems (glass, plastics, blister packs, cartons, labels).
• Understanding of packaging line equipment, processes and validation requirements.
• Experience with APCO requirements, PREP assessment and ARL implementation is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Data collection and analysis of packaging material master data and specs.
• Conduct PREP assessments and manage ARL implementation and approval processes.
• Develop and support sustainable packaging strategies and targets.
• Prepare preliminary cost estimates for new product introductions and packaging changes.
• Perform lifecycle and environmental impact assessments for packaging materials and processes.
• Track sustainability metrics and support compliance with APCO and industry requirements.
• Provide technical support for packaging trials, validations and drawings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Sustainability principles

Education

Packaging technology qualification

Job description

Aspen Pharmacare is one of Australia's leading pharmaceutical companies, dedicated to improving health and quality of life in the communities we serve through a diverse portfolio of prescription and over the counter medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Since commencing operations in Australia in 2001, we have grown through strategic acquisitions and long term partnerships, building a strong local presence across Australia and New Zealand.

Our world class manufacturing facility in Dandenong, Victoria, produces medicines and medical devices for local and export markets, with a strong focus on quality, reliability and compliance. Our values of Commitment, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity and Teamwork continue to guide everything we do.

We are currently seeking a Packaging Material Technologist to join our Packaging Development & Innovation team.

Reporting to the Packaging Development & Innovation Manager, this is a unique opportunity to use your understanding of packaging and passion for sustainability to influence our packaging strategy and sustainability goals. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Services, Supply Chain, external manufacturers and suppliers, to capture packaging data, forecast future costs, support sustainability reporting and drive improvements in packaging design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Collection & Analysis: Compile and maintain packaging material master data, specifications and related documentation for Aspen-branded products.
• PREP & ARL Management: Conduct PREP assessments, maintain recyclability data and manage ARL implementation and approval processes.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Develop and support sustainable packaging strategies, targets and improvement opportunities.
• Cost Modelling: Prepare preliminary cost estimates for new product introductions and packaging change projects.
• Environmental Assessment: Conduct lifecycle and environmental impact assessments for packaging materials and processes.
• Reporting & Compliance: Track sustainability metrics and support compliance with APCO and relevant industry requirements.
• Technical Support: Support packaging trials, validations, artwork technical checks and technical drawing development, while driving continuous improvement and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

• Prior experience in a packaging role, ideally within pharmaceuticals or FMCG. Relevant qualifications in packaging technology or sustainability are advantageous.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, technologies and sustainability principles.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical primary, secondary and tertiary packaging systems, including glass containers, plastic bottles and containers, blister packs (PVC, PVDC and Alu-Alu), sachets, pouches, cartons and labels.
• Understanding of packaging line equipment, packaging processes and validation requirements.
• Experience with APCO requirements, PREP assessment and ARL implementation is highly regarded.
• Strong analytical, project management and communication skills.
• Passion for sustainability, recycling and circular economy principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively in a cross-functional team environment.