Packaging Development Manager

BSBF; Boksburg; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer products company seeks a Packaging Development Manager in Boksburg, South Africa, to lead innovative packaging solutions. This full-time role involves project management, sustainability efforts, and collaboration with suppliers. Candidates should have a degree in Packaging Engineering or similar, with at least three years of experience in packaging development. Competitive remuneration and a hybrid work model are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of technical experience in packaging development.
• Experience in Supply Chain or Product Development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire lifecycle of packaging projects from conceptualization to commercialization.
• Direct the design of packaging systems to meet various requirements.
• Manage all stages of development including functionality and quality testing.
• Ensure feasibility and robustness of all packaging designs.

Skills

Access Control

CAD

Market Research

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering

MBA

Job description

Overview

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#169760 - Boksburg Gauteng South Africa

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care Personal Care Home Care Skin Care and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together lets build a brighter healthier future for all.

The Packaging Development Manager

The Packaging Development Manager is responsible for leading the design development and implementation of new and improved packaging solutions to support Colgate-Palmolives strategic business goals. This role operates in a dynamic and evolving regulatory landscape requiring a proactive approach to sustainable packaging challenges and leveraging opportunities for innovation. The individual will autonomously resolve complex packaging challenges, making critical decisions on design, material selection and project execution.

This position supports the following locations:

CP Canelands Plant South Africa
CP Boksburg Plant South Africa
CP Orbit Contract Manufacturer Kenya
CP Douala Plant Cameroon
CP Plastiserd Contract Manufacturer Tahiti
CP Vega Contract Manufacturer New Caledonia

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire lifecycle of regional and local packaging projects from conceptualization and initiation to commercialization.
• Direct the design of packaging systems and components to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, consumer acceptance, manufacturing and quality requirements.
• Manage all stages of development including design generation, prototype development, engineering specifications, mold and machinery qualification, functionality and quality testing, and technology transfer.
• Utilize a systematic project management approach to deliver projects on time and within budget while tracking and communicating progress, timelines and risks.
• Ensure feasibility and robustness of all packaging product and process designs.
• Creates and manages Packaging BOMs in SAP.
• Responsible for the creation and management of purchase orders for artwork tools and packaging materials needed for qualification of new products.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive competitive advantage by identifying, evaluating and championing technical advancements, design trends and packaging innovations.
• Lead the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions focusing on recyclability, recycled content, light-weighting and waste reduction.
• Promote and implement product material and package standardization and simplification to improve margins and achieve cost savings.
• Facilitate the sharing of ideas, knowledge, lessons learned and best practices to enhance processes.
• Contribute to the development of packaging-related intellectual property.

Collaboration & Supplier Management

• Act as a key interface with internal teams (GTC, CIC, Marketing, Supply Chain, Plant Management) and external packaging partners to ensure project alignment.
• Partner with Procurement to develop, qualify and manage new suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Involve suppliers early in the innovation cycle and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
• Support the execution of capital projects related to packaging (e.g. molds, machinery) in collaboration with Plant Engineering.

Technical Standards & Quality

• Develop, interpret and refine packaging testing procedures and standards.
• Establish local packaging specifications (PGSS) processes and equipment in alignment with global goals and standards.
• Ensure commercialization adheres to all Quality, Microbiology, EOHS, Product Safety and Regulatory standards.
• Apply statistical concepts, packages and design of experiments.
• Responsible for the accurate declaration of packaging tons to the designated Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) for South Africa.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Design, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of technical experience in the packaging development field. Experience in Supply Chain, Product Development or other Global Supply Chain (GSC) functions is a plus.
• LI-FS1

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions) or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

#LI-Hybrid

Required Experience: Manager

Key Skills: Access Control, B.Com, CAD, Drafting, Market Research, Data Analysis

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1