Packaging Strategy & Innovation Lead

Technical Recruitment Solutions Ltd.; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Whittaker’s, New Zealand’s leading chocolate manufacturer, seeks a Packaging Manager to direct packaging strategy and innovation. You’ll lead a Packaging Technologist and work with cross-functional teams from concept through production to ensure packs protect the chocolate and stand out on the shelf.

You will drive packaging specifications, compliance, waste reduction, supplier management and ongoing improvements in quality, sustainability and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in packaging development, technology or management.
• Track record leading packaging projects from concept to launch.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, systems and processes.
• Improvements in quality, performance, sustainability or cost.
• Experience leading and developing people across teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Packaging development

Packaging technology

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Materials knowledge

Quality improvement

People leadership

Education

Packaging Technology or related degree

Job description

Whittaker’s, New Zealand’s leading chocolate manufacturer, seeks a Packaging Manager to direct packaging strategy and innovation. You’ll lead a Packaging Technologist and work with cross-functional teams from concept through production to ensure packs protect the chocolate and stand out on the shelf.

You will drive packaging specifications, compliance, waste reduction, supplier management and ongoing improvements in quality, sustainability and efficiency.