R&D Packaging Developer

Hero; Palomares del Río; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Hero is seeking an R&D Packaging Developer to transform ideas into innovative, compliant packaging for Better Snacking and other categories. You will lead packaging development from concept to launch, collaborate with internal teams and third-party manufacturers, and drive sustainability and cost-saving initiatives while upholding quality standards.

Join a dynamic, international procurement organization with hybrid work, competitive compensation, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in packaging development and a solid understanding of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in food packaging and production technologies is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering, Food Science and Technology, or related field.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage projects to deadlines.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English at a minimum B2 level.

Responsibilities

• Shape Packaging from Concept to Launch, leading development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.
• Turn Innovation into Reality by supporting industrialisation and scaling up solutions.
• Own Packaging Excellence by maintaining accurate specs and data.
• Solve, Improve and Optimise packaging elements and test alternative materials.
• Protect Quality and Compliance with regulations and sustainability commitments.
• Fuel the Innovation Pipeline by identifying trends and technologies.
• Build Partnerships with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Quality, and suppliers.

Skills

Packaging development

Materials understanding

Project management

Microsoft 365

SAP S/4HANA

Power Apps

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering

Related field (Food Science and Technology)

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Power Apps

Microsoft 365

Job description

Ready to shape what's next in packaging? R&D is where ideas turn into solutions. Through collaboration, creativity and technical expertise, we enhance today’s products while creating the products and packaging of tomorrow. As our R&D Packaging Developer for Better Snacking, Naturally Good Food and other categories, you will turn ideas into packaging solutions that enable innovation, renovation and operational excellence. Your technical expertise will help us overcome complex challenges, explore new materials and create packaging that performs for our consumers, our supply chain and our planet.

What You'll Achieve

• Shape Packaging from Concept to Launch: You will lead the development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, including display materials, ensuring innovation and renovation projects are delivered on time and aligned with category strategy
• Turn Innovation into Reality: You will support product industrialisation, working with internal teams and third‑party manufacturers to scale up solutions and participating in factory trials and launches when required.
• Own Packaging Excellence: You will specify packaging materials, keep all related documentation accurate and up to date, and manage packaging data across relevant tools and functions, ensuring reliable information is available wherever it is needed.
• Solve, Improve and Optimise: Yo will contribute to problem‑solving and continuous improvement across all packaging elements, while testing alternative materials that support contingency planning, sustainability initiatives and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Protect Quality and Compliance: You will ensure packaging complies with legislation, sustainability commitments, packaging guidelines and supply‑chain requirements. You will maintain accurate specifications and packaging data across ERP and future tools.
• Fuel the Innovation Pipeline: You will identify emerging technologies, materials and market trends through exhibitions, trade fairs, supplier visits and innovation sessions, bringing fresh inspiration into workshops and internal forums.
• Build Partnerships that Deliver: You will connect Category Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Quality, Product Development and other Hero entities with suppliers, third‑party manufacturers and industry specialists. You will also support supplier qualification, complaint management and manage the annual packaging budget.

Who You Are

Packaging Technical Expert

• You bring 3 to 5 years of professional experience in packaging development and a solid understanding of packaging materials and manufacturing processes, including plastics, paper, corrugated board, metal and glass.
• Experience in food packaging and production technologies, ideally with at least 3 years of practical exposure, will help you make an immediate impact.

Engineering‑Minded Problem Solver

• You hold a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering, Food Science and Technology, or a related field.
• You use technical knowledge to solve problems, support business objectives and continuously improve packaging performance.

Project Driver

• You have demonstrated project‑management experience and take ownership of decisions, deadlines and outcomes.

Digital Operator

• You are proficient in Microsoft 365 and comfortable maintaining accurate technical documentation and packaging data.
• Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and Power Apps is a strong advantage.

Bilingual Collaborator

• You communicate in both Spanish and English at a minimum B2 level.
• You build effective relationships across functions, cultures and external partnerships, contributing positively to shared objectives.

Curious Industry Explorer

• You proactively investigate new approaches, gather insight and keep developing your expertise.
• Previous packaging experience in the food industry is desirable

What We Offer

Your Growth & Wellbeing

• Opportunity to work within a dynamic and international Procurement organization.
• Exposure to global stakeholders, strategic sourcing projects, and procurement transformation initiatives.
• Collaborative environment that supports professional development and continuous learning.

The Essentials

• Hybrid work model and flexible schedule (with early finish on Fridays, also during summer months).
• Attractive Compensation & Benefits package.
• Strong values and a matrix organization where you can make a real difference.
• Great work environment and amazing people you’ll be proud to work with.

Our Culture: How We Grow Together

• Create wow: We dare to do things differently, seek to always win with consumers and customers, and endeavour to be forever relevant and vital to our world. It's about Curiosity, Innovation and Consumer/Customer Focus.
• Everyone Hero: We work together in pursuit of our common mission and strategy, strengthening our local businesses by leveraging the power of the collective. It's about Purpose, Performance and Teamwork.
• Nourish others: We treat everyone with honesty, care and respect and provide our people, customers and consumers with what they need to thrive. It's about Honesty, Empowerment, Respect and Diversity.
• Take responsibility: We make good choices today to build a more sustainable business and environment fit for the needs of tomorrow. It's about Sustainability, Ownership, Heritage and Quality.