Senior Packaging Technologist

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior R&D Packaging Technologist at Kraft Heinz Nijmegen leads packaging development with a consumer-first mindset, guiding projects across NPD, VE and supply chain under R&D governance. You will oversee commissioning on new lines, CAPEX upgrades, and sustainability goals while driving cost efficiency and quality.

Based in Nijmegen, you will collaborate with operations, engineering, FSQ, and regulatory teams, coaching the packaging group and translating complex technical needs for

Qualifications

• Packaging development experience in a complex/matrix organization.
• Ability to translate consumer needs into technical concepts and execution.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Independent worker with ownership and decision-making.
• Fluent in business English (written & verbal).

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development projects with a consumer-first mindset.
• Deliver technically NPD, VE & Supply Chain projects through R&D governance.
• Lead commissioning of packaging formats on new filling lines and CAPEX maintenance.
• Coach the packaging team and build cross-functional relationships.
• Ensure sustainability, cost competitiveness and quality attributes.

Skills

Packaging development

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Packaging, engineering or science degree

Job description

Senior R&D Packaging Technologist

Provide technical packaging knowledge in multidisciplinary teams (Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Supply-Chain, FSQ and Regulatory) for optimal packaging design (primary, secondary and tertiary) while supporting the packaging strategic agenda, meeting quality standards and driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Lead packaging development projects with a consumer-first mindset. To lead large or complex projects with a high level of independence and understanding of packaging materials and formats. Independently provide scenarios and recommendations to gain alignment. Delivering technically NPD, VE & Supply Chain projects through R&D governance and according to best practices. Lead from a packaging perspective Supply chain projects with a clear understanding of engineering requirements with high level of independence. Projects would include the implementation of new equipment, including filling and packaging lines. Lead the commissioning of packaging formats in new filling lines, as well as the CAPEX maintenance projects for our existing SC network (equipment replacing or upgrading). Support the Packaging Development Team and/or the Packaging Development Manager in developing new, improved or more cost-efficient packaging within the framework of the agreed innovation and cost-out pipeline Good understanding of PPWR legislation and ability to translate in technical concepts. Delivering key goals; perfect the fundamentals, ensure cost competitiveness, make sustainability a competitive edge and strengthen capabilities and competences in the Packaging team through coaching Creating, developing, and implementing industrialized packaging solutions under specific projects, ensuring robust risk management and delivery of quality attributes Building strong cross functional relationships Actively coaches members of the wider packaging team.

Qualifications

• A completed packaging, engineering or science degree +8 years of experience within packaging development in a complex / matrix organization
• Positively embraces business best practice and seek opportunities to lead and implement.
• Strong in communication: informing, influencing, stakeholder management, network building
• Strong in simplifying the complex: able to present complex technical topics to non-technical audience
• Ability to learn fast and perform in a changing environment
• Independent worker
• Understand consumer needs, driver and trends and translate into technical concepts, prototypes and drive towards execution
• High level of ownership and decision making
• Able to prioritize work and tasks with a dynamic and changing workload
• Problem solver; be creative and pragmatic
• Customer focus; key stakeholders
• Team player
• Fluent in business English (written & verbal)

Examples of peers the job owner works with

• Operations managers, team leaders, engineering, site FSQ, planning and SCD projects managers Global and local Regulatory teams Global and local Sustainability teams Global Packaging leads as well as Regional buyers Sr Brand managers, Brand Managers and full teams R&D leadership team and full teams Supplier's technical experts, sales and project managers Sr project managers, Strategic project Leads, FSQ managers and other Sr R&D technologists

Work Environment & Schedule

The position sits within the EM&DM R&D Packaging team, based at the R&D Centre in Nijmegen. The role is part of a high performing team, alongside peers always trying to reach the next level. The function is reporting into the Sr R&D Packaging Manager.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

Location(s)

Nijmegen

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.