Head of Packaging

Pernod Ricard; Cognac; Sur place; EUR 80 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A global spirits company is seeking a Packaging Head to lead all packaging development activities. The role involves developing innovative packaging solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating cross-functionally. The ideal candidate should possess 15+ years in packaging development within FMCG or luxury goods, have strong technical expertise, and proven leadership skills. This position is crucial for driving sustainable growth and elevating brand equity through packaging innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead teams of functional development experts in packaging.
• Deep understanding of Product Life Management and Stage Gate processes.
• Solid knowledge of quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements related to packaging.

Responsabilités

• Lead end-to-end development from concept to commercialization.
• Drive design and development of sustainable packaging solutions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards.

Connaissances

Strong technical expertise in packaging development

Effective cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving mindset

Excellent communication skills

Formation

15+ years of packaging development experience

Description du poste

MISSION

The Packaging Head leads all development activities related to packaging for his / her brand group. The role is accountable for delivering viable technical solutions to strategic problems and for leading a team of functional pack experts to create innovative packaging solutions that elevate brand equity, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive sustainable growth.

The Packaging Head also champions and drives the long-term global packaging roadmap to anticipate future trends and needs, delivering differentiated and future-fit packaging solutions. The position requires strong technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and effective resource and priority management, while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful project delivery across innovation, renovation / restage, Design to Sustainable Value (D t SV), and cost-optimization initiatives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. 1. Long-Term Packaging Strategy & Technical Roadmap

   Lead end-to-end development from concept to commercialization, aligned with brand positioning and consumer preferences.

   Oversee sensory evaluation, stability testing, and quality benchmarking to ensure product design excellence.

   Partner with Marketing and Insights teams to translate consumer trends into innovative packaging concepts.

2. 2. Packaging Innovation & Development

   Drive the design and development of sustainable, functional, brand-enhancing packaging solutions.

   Ensure all packaging meets regulatory, safety, and environmental standards across global markets.

   Work closely with Procurement and Operations to optimize materials for cost, performance, and supply-chain efficiency.

3. 3. Quality & Regulatory Compliance

   Maintain robust documentation and traceability required for audits and certifications.

   Collaborate with Legal and Regulatory Affairs to guarantee accuracy in product claims and labelling.

4. 4. Cross-Functional Leadership

   Act as a strategic partner to Marketing, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams to align R&D initiatives with business goals.

   Lead and mentor packaging developers, fostering innovation, continuous improvement, and consumer-centric technical excellence.

5. 5. Capability Building

   Develop and upskill team members across technical and leadership capabilities, elevating the function from executors to well-recognized partners.

INTERACTIONS

• Key internal partners: PMO Head, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Consumer Insights, Procurement.
• Key external partners: Suppliers, vendors, regulatory bodies, certification agencies.

TARGET PROFILE

• Experience: 15+ years of packaging development experience in an international environment, ideally within FMCG, luxury goods, or spirits.
• Prevailing Skillset: Proven ability to lead teams of functional development experts (both technical and leadership).
• Job Family: Research & Development

TARGET CORE SKILLS

• Functional Capability
  • Strong technical expertise in packaging development.
  • Deep understanding of Product Life Management and Stage Gate processes.
  • Proven track record in new product development and successful market launches.
  • Solid knowledge of quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements related to packaging.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in diverse cultural and international contexts.
• Leadership Capability
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration.
  • Strong problem-solving and results-driven mindset.
  • Practical, hands-on approach.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Demonstrated people leadership and team-development experience.

KPIs

• Contribution of Packaging Innovation Pipeline to business growth.
• DTSV efficiencies and delivery.
• Speed to market.
• Excellence in technical execution (cost, timing, adherence to brief).

Pernod Ricard is committed to offering equal opportunities to all talents. Our recruitment methods focus on skills and competencies.