R&D Executive (Packaging Development)

Universal Robina Munchy's; Batu Pahat; On-site; MYR 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Robina Munchy's is seeking a Packaging Development professional in Malaysia to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of packaging solutions for food products.

You will collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, QA, Production and suppliers to deliver packaging innovations aligned with business objectives, and manage trials, specifications, and change controls across NPD and renovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a packaging/food science related field.
• 1–2 years of packaging development experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience with flexible, corrugated or rigid packaging.
• Exposure to packaging trials and commercialization activities.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization and commercialization of packaging solutions.
• Develop new packaging structures, materials and formats for NPD, renovation and cost optimization.
• Evaluate packaging for biscuits, snacks and confectionery categories.
• Conduct packaging benchmarking and sustainability initiatives.
• Coordinate trials and validate packaging performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Production, Engineering and Procurement on packaging needs.
• Prepare technical documents, BOM, artwork checks and trial reports.
• Manage packaging change control and project timelines.

Skills

Packaging development

Project management

Supplier management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Technology/ Food Science & Technology/ Material Science/ Polymer Engineering/ Chemical Engineering/ Industrial Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

• Lead the development, optimization and commercialization of packaging solutions for food products to ensure product quality, shelf-life, manufacturing efficiency, cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance and consumer appeal. Work closely with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, QA, Production and suppliers to deliver packaging innovations and improvements aligned with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Development & Innovation

• Develop new packaging structures, materials, and formats for new product development (NPD), renovation and cost optimization projects.
• Evaluate packaging suitability for various food categories such as biscuits, snacks and confectionery.
• Conduct packaging benchmarking against competitors and market trends.
• Support sustainability initiatives including recyclable, mono-material, downgauging and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
• Work with suppliers to identify innovative packaging technologies and materials.

Technical Evaluation & Validation

• Conduct packaging trials at lab and production scale.
• Validate packaging performance and troubleshooting packaging-related issues during production and commercialization.
• Coordinate transit tests, drop tests, compression tests, and storage studies where required

Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Marketing on packaging aesthetic, claims and consumer requirements.
• Work closely with Production and Engineering to ensure packaging compatibility with existing machinery.
• Partner with Procurement for supplier qualification and cost optimization.

Commercialization & Project Management

• Lead Packaging implementation timelines for new launches and renovation projects.
• Prepare technical documents including specifications, BOM, artwork checks, packaging standards and trial reports.
• Manage packaging change control and risk assessment.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timeframes and cost targets.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Engage with packaging suppliers for technical support, material improvement and troubleshooting.
Evaluate supplier capabilities and conduct packaging material assessments.

Education/Experiences (Minimum entry level requirements for the job)

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Technology/ Food Science & Technology/ Material Science/ Polymer Engineering/ Chemical Engineering/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Packaging-related certifications are an added advantage.
• 1-2 years of experience in packaging development within food manufacturing industry.
• Experience handling flexible packaging, corrugated packaging or rigid packaging.
• Exposure to packaging trials and commercialization activities.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced manufacturing environments.