Assistant Manager, Packaging Development, Oral Care, Personal Care East

Unilever; Mumbai; On-site; INR 15,00,000 - 20,00,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in Mumbai seeks an Assistant Manager for Packaging Development in Oral Care. The role requires over 7 years of packaging experience, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and a Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering. This position offers opportunities to collaborate cross-functionally and drive impactful change in packaging practices.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in packaging development in the beauty and/or CPG industry.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical teams.
• Good knowledge of the intersection between package engineering and package design.

Responsibilities

• Lead all packaging aspects for innovation projects.
• Assist in technical development of primary packaging formats.
• Conduct lab-scale experiments and collaborate with suppliers.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

SAP

Digital tools

Job description

JOB TITLE: Assistant Manager, Packaging Development, Oral Care, Personal Care East

LOCATION: Mumbai

Job Purpose

• Personal Care is a +€13 billion business with much loved deodorant, skin cleansing and oral care brands including our 8 power brands Dove, Dove Mencare, Rexona, Lux, Axe, Lifebuoy, Pepsodent and Close‑Up. We hold leading category positions in deodorants and skin cleansing globally and the #1 or #2 position in oral care in the countries where we are present.
• Through our Personal Care brands, we’re taking action to drive positive change. With more than 1 billion people using our products every day, we have an opportunity to use our scale for good. So that people and the planet can thrive together.
• Packaging plays a central role in our product and brand experience and the R&D team works closely with the Business Group (BG) global brand teams & Business Unit (BU) marketing teams to design and deploy the most consumer engaging, efficient and sustainable brand experience.
• This role is based in packaging function within the India BU team with primary responsibility for supporting the delivery of Packaging activities within innovation & renovation , Sustainability & cost savings projects for the Oral Care brands for INDIA markets.
• In Oral care majority of the products sold are toothpaste, which accounts for 89% of the turnover. The remaining 11% includes toothbrushes, mouthwash, and other formats like toothpowder in specific markets.

Responsibilities

• Leading/supporting all the packaging aspects for innovation/ renovation projects. Full responsibility of the packaging design and technical testing to meet the project deliverables.
• Deep understanding on Innoflex processes and robust innovation delivery through implementation of updated 1UPP tools (one Unilever Packaging Processes).
• Work closely with cross‑functional India business teams (marketing, Supply Chain, other R&D groups) to ensure packaging is fit for local market needs and manufacturing capabilities.
• Assist in the technical development of primary packaging formats, especially laminate tubes, secondary packaging, paper & paper board cartons and flexible sachets.
• Conduct lab‑scale experiments and collaborate with suppliers to validate packaging performance (e.g., barrier properties, seal integrity, drop tests, transit trials).
• Contribute to the creation of global technical specifications and transfer packages; ability to utilise required digital support systems (AWS, LIMS, CLM, Patbase, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with SAP system, to be able to assist the SC team with BOM updating & material code generation.
• Participate in sustainability initiatives by exploring sustainable polymers, monomaterial structures, and lightweighting opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Artwork Excellence team to ensure packaging compatibility with design and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation and communicate findings through high‑quality reports and presentations.
  • Should have working knowledge on machine‑material interface w.r.t packaging manufacturing and runnability on filling lines.
  • Should have inclination on digital tools and its application to the portfolio to unlock efficiency.
  • Inclination towards consumers to convert insights into opportunities.

All About You

• Self‑motivated, flexible and a focus on larger picture & long‑term impact.
• Passionate about the brand & planet equally.
• Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships across all levels of the organization, and believes in collaboration and teamwork.
• A reasonably good understanding of Packaging (especially rigid and flexible packaging) to drive innovation and strategies.
• Good problem solving and communication skills.

Key Interfaces

• Oral care Brand Marketing
• Country AWS & specifications Teams
• Local Supply Chain
• Procurement Teams
• Packaging Suppliers & Moulders
• R&D (Formulation, Processing, CTI)
• Artwork Excellence Team
• Global Packaging Capability Team
• External supplier ecosystem

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in packaging development in the beauty and/or CPG industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering or equivalent required. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Good knowledge of the intersection between package engineering and package design.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non‑technical teams.
• Proven ability to deliver results on time and with excellence.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.