R&D Packaging Intern

Koninklijke Verkade nv; Zaandam; On-site; EUR 5,000 - 5,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Koninklijke Verkade, part of pladis, seeks an enthusiastic R&D Packaging Intern to support European packaging activities from Zaandam, NL. You will manage a central data base, develop packaging visuals, and assist with trials, plant testing and reporting in a fast-paced FMCG setting.

The role offers a mix of technical documentation, collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams, and a chance to own a small project on recycle readiness under supervision.

Qualifications

• Pursuing 3rd or 4th year in a Bachelor or Master degree in Food Science packaging, Technical packaging, industrial engineering or similar.
• Proficient at managing large data sets in Excel and using data to support packaging decisions.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Dutch is a plus and motivation to learn.

Responsibilities

• Structure and maintain a central data base for packaging materials and specs across European sites.
• Create and update packaging visual standards (VST) for our product portfolio.
• Support trial execution, pilot plant testing and reporting in packaging.
• Assist with plant troubleshooting and data collection on packaging issues.
• Lead or participate in a project focused on recycle readiness/productivity for packaging under supervision.
• Ensure GMP-compliant, safe working practices in all tasks.
• Report results and recommendations to the Head of Packaging and project manager.

Skills

Packaging passion

Data handling

Excel proficiency

Self-starter

Autonomy

Time management

English communication

Education

BSc/ MSc in Food Science packaging or related

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic R&D Packaging Intern! Would you like to help Pladis achieve it’s packaging ambitions and be part of the change? Read on!

• Location: Netherlands - Zaandam
• Time type: Full time

Defenition

The R&D packaging team at Pladis focuses on developing and delivering packaging innovations, renovations and optimizations to market, on-time and in budget, in close cooperation with marketing, operations, procurement, quality and supply chain. In packaging we are in charge of leading the way towards sustainable packaging as well, aiming for 100% of our portfolio to be recycleready., amongst other initiatives. The internship entails a combination of various activities involving technical documentation management as well as practical project work (trial execution on our factories/co-manufacturers, lab measurement, collaboration with suppliers, etc). This role offers a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with creative thinking in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Key responsibilities and achievements

• Structuring and maintaining a technical central data base for packaging material and finished product specifications for our European sites and co-manufacturing.
• Creating and updating the packaging visual standards (VST) for our product portfolio.
• Assist the packaging team in trial execution, pilot plant testing and reporting.
• Assist the packaging technologist on plant troubleshooting and data collection on specific issues.
• Opportunity to have their own project for recycle ready/productivity for packaging under supervision of the Head of Packaging.
• Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe and hygienic manner, following factory or bakery general manufacturing practices (GMPs).
• Support project manager and/or Head of Packaging in effective scheduling of project tasks and identification of resource requirements (time, money, people).
• Raise any technical or project related issues that might affect quality, cost or time of delivery with project manager and/or Head of Packaging.
• Keep comprehensive records of all work carried out and report results and recommendations as appropriate.

Who are you?

• Passionate about packaging.
• 3rd or 4th year student with a Bachelor or Master Degree (in Food Science (packaging specialization), Technical packaging, industrial engineering or similar).
• Proficient at managing large data sets and excel.
• Self-starter and quick learner.
• Proactive and creative approach to problem solving.
• Able to work autonomously and organize your time to manage more than one task simultaneously.
• Comfortable building new working relationships and networks with various functions within a business.
• Enjoy variety in your day-to-day role - Able to work proficiently in both written and spoken English. Dutch is advantageous.
• You’re available for five or six months and five days a week.

What we offer

We offer you a unique opportunity to work at a large international FMCG company with well-known Dutch brands. The corporate culture is informal with a lot of attention for teamwork and results. Within this position you have many responsibilities and a wide range of tasks in which you can express all your qualities. You become part of an enthusiastic, compact team and are in close contact with other departments, both commercial and factory. The internship compensation is € 475,- a month, based on a fulltime workweek. Finally, as an employee of Verkade, you will of course receive free cookies!

Who are we?

Koninklijke Verkade, with brands like Verkade en Sultana, is part of pladis since 2016. pladis is one of the world's leading snacking companies. A worldwide community with 16.000 colleagues around the world.

pladis succeeds because of people like you. People who wake up in the morning excited to get to work. Who believe in themselves and their potential. Who want to grow as part of a global community of like-minded colleagues.

pladis colleagues care deeply about being the best. About winning, staying the course and never giving up. Whichever part of the world we’re in, whatever our role. Whether we’re baking, working in HR, finance, marketing or many other areas – we win as one pladis team.