Pack Architect - Packaging Development & Structural Design

Panella Foods & Beverages; Mumbai City; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Panella Foods & Beverages is seeking a Pack Architect - Packaging Development & Structural Design to shape premium packaging for teas, coffees, and gift sets. You will own end-to-end packaging from concept, 3D modelling, and prototypes to vendor development and plant trials, ensuring compliant, cost-efficient solutions.

Experience in packaging design for FMCG, with EPR and sustainability focus, is preferred. This on-site Mumbai role requires travel to factories and vendor sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Packaging Technology / Industrial Design; IIP certificate (PGDP or DIP) mandatory.
• 6 to 10 years in packaging development with structural design, preferably food & beverage / FMCG.
• Hands-on with ArtiosCAD / Esko, SolidWorks or Rhino, Adobe Illustrator and KeyShot or equivalent.
• Working command of folding carton, rigid board, corrugation, flexible laminates, metal and glass.

Responsibilities

• Own packaging end to end from concept and 3D modelling to prototypes and vendor development.
• Conduct plant trials at Bhiwandi or applicable sites and resolve run-rate issues.
• Write clear specifications for every pack and maintain the specification library.
• Ensure packs meet FSSAI and Legal Metrology requirements.
• Drive cost savings through material optimisation and sustainable packaging concepts.

Skills

Packaging development

Structural design

Vendor development

Project management

Education

Packaging Technology degree / diploma

IIP certificate (PGDP or DIP) mandatory

Tools

ArtiosCAD/Esko

SolidWorks

Rhino

Adobe Illustrator

KeyShot

Job description

Designation

Pack Architect - Packaging Development & Structural Design

Formal Title

Manager - Packaging Development (Structural Design)

Reports To

[CEO / Head - Supply Chain]

Experience

6 to 10 years in packaging development with structural design, preferably food & beverage / FMCG

Qualification

Degree or diploma in Packaging Technology / Industrial Design;

IIP certificate (PGDP or DIP) mandatory.

Location

Churchgate, Mumbai

THE ROLE

You will shape how our teas, coffees and gift boxes look, feel and travel. You will own packaging end to end, from concept and 3D modelling to prototypes, vendor development, plant trials and commercial rollout. The goal is simple: packs that protect the product, look premium, follow the law and cost less each year.

WHAT YOU WILL OWN

• Structural Design: Design primary, secondary and transit packs: pouches, tins, jars, tea bags, cartons, rigid gift boxes and shippers, for new launches and portfolio rationalisation.
• 3D & Prototyping: Build 3D models, dielines and renders; deliver white samples and working prototypes for internal, trade and customer review.
• Specs & Control: Write a clear specification for every pack; maintain the specification library, BOM inputs, artwork versions and change control.
• Testing: Prove that packs protect aroma and freshness for the full shelf life; run drop, compression, vibration and transit tests, including e-commerce standards; sign off final specs.
• Plant Trials: Run line trials at Bhiwandi and resolve sealing, printing, fitment and run-rate issues on the floor.
• Artwork & Compliance: Integrate artwork with dielines and check it before print; ensure every pack meets FSSAI and Legal Metrology requirements.
• Vendor Development: Find, qualify and negotiate with vendors on tooling, dies, MOQs and rates; keep two sources for critical items; visit factories and share a monthly vendor scorecard.
• Cost & Sustainability: Deliver yearly savings through material optimisation and downgauging; move to recyclable and mono-material structures; manage EPR and Plastic Waste Rules compliance.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• IIP certificate (PGDP or DIP), Indian institute of design, IIPM is mandatory.
• 6 to 10 years in packaging development and structural design for food, beverage or FMCG.
• Hands-on with ArtiosCAD / Esko, SolidWorks or Rhino, Adobe Illustrator and KeyShot or equivalent.
• Working command of folding carton, rigid board, corrugation, flexible laminates, metal and glass.
• Proven vendor development, costing and plant-trial record; you have built a vendor base, not just placed orders on one.
• Knowledge of FSSAI and Legal Metrology rules; able to read artwork, dielines and lab test reports.
• Willing to travel to Bhiwandi and vendor factories at short notice.

GOOD TO HAVE

• Experience with tea, coffee or spices; premium and gift packaging.
• E-commerce and D2C shipper design; ISTA / Amazon FFP protocols.
• Exposure to life-cycle assessment or sustainable packaging certification; ERP systems.