Packaging Manager

Technical Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Whittaker's is seeking a Packaging Manager in New Zealand to set the direction for packaging and ensure protection, on-line efficiency, and standout shelf appeal. You will lead a Packaging Technologist, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive projects from concept to production.

The ideal candidate brings strong packaging technical grounding in FMCG or food manufacturing, with a track record of improving quality, sustainability, and cost.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in packaging development, packaging technology or packaging management.
• Track record leading packaging projects from concept to commercial implementation.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, systems and manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading and developing people and working across cross-functional teams.
• Qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Technology, Engineering, Materials Science or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging strategy, roadmaps and innovation for new products and changes.
• Maintain specifications and technical documentation with regulatory, customer and sustainability requirements.
• Oversee packaging change management, approvals, risk assessment and artwork governance.
• Partner with Operations & Engineering to reduce waste and improve packaging efficiency, quality and reliability.
• Build supplier relationships, support selection, qualification and performance management.
• Coach and develop a Packaging Technologist and lead on H&S, food safety and quality.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Packaging Technology/related field

Job description

About The Company:

Whittaker's is New Zealand's biggest chocolate manufacturer and has won New Zealand's 'Most Trusted Brand' 15 times in a row. They live by the belief that 'best is always better', insisting on using only the finest ingredients, the best methods, most precise machinery, and the best people to keep making good honest chocolate.

About The Role:

Great chocolate deserves great packaging. As Packaging Manager, you'll set the direction for Whittaker's packaging. You'll ensure that every pack protects the chocolate, runs smoothly on the line and stands out on the shelf.

It's a role for someone who enjoys both the hands-on, technical detail and the bigger picture. You'll lead and develop a Packaging Technologist and work alongside cross-functional teams to take projects from first idea through to the production line.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership of packaging strategy, roadmaps and innovation, including packaging for new products, upgrades and changes.
• Maintenance of specifications and technical documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer and sustainability requirements.
• Oversight of packaging change management, approvals, risk assessment and artwork governance.
• Partnering with Operations & Engineering to reduce waste and improve packaging efficiency, quality and reliability.
• Building supplier relationships, supporting selection, qualification and managing performance.
• Coaching and developing a Packaging Technologist and leading on H&S, food safety and quality.

You, The Candidate:

You're a practical, approachable leader who builds strong relationships and stays steady when priorities compete. You'll bring a solid technical grounding in packaging, built in FMCG or food manufacturing, along with a good feel for how materials and packaging systems behave on the line.

The ideal candidate will also bring:

• Proven experience in packaging development, packaging technology or packaging management.
• A track record leading packaging projects from concept to commercial implementation.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, systems and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated improvements in quality, performance, sustainability, cost or efficiency.
• Experience leading and developing people, and working across cross-functional teams.
• A qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Technology, Engineering, Materials Science or a related field.

Please note:

To be eligible for this role, you must hold current working rights in NZ. You must also be willing to undertake and return a satisfactory Ministry of Justice Criminal History check and undertake a pre-employment medical including a Drug & Alcohol Screening.