Packaging Development Manager

Colgate; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer products leader in South Africa seeks a Packaging Development Manager to lead the design and implementation of innovative packaging solutions. You will manage a team and oversee all packaging projects from conception to commercialization, ensuring adherence to sustainability standards. The ideal candidate holds a relevant degree and has at least 3 years of experience in packaging development. Join us in creating a healthier future through effective packaging strategies that align with our business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of technical experience in the packaging development field.
• Experience in Supply Chain Product Development is a plus.
• Education in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Design, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and implementation of packaging solutions.
• Manage a team of packaging technicians/engineers.
• Ensure feasibility of packaging product and process designs.
• Drive technical advancements and sustainable packaging solutions.

Skills

Project management

Packaging design

Sustainable packaging

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#****** - Boksburg Gauteng South Africa

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 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, let's 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-Palmolive's 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.

Project & Product Commercialization

• Manages a team or individual of packaging technicians/engineers.
• Leads the entire lifecycle of regional and local packaging projects from conceptualization and initiation to commercialization.
• Directs the design of packaging systems and components to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, consumer acceptance, manufacturing and quality requirements.
• Manages all stages of development including design generation, prototype development, engineering specifications, mold and machinery qualification, functionality and quality testing, and technology transfer.
• Utilizes a systematic project management approach to deliver projects on time and within budget while tracking and communicating progress, timelines and risks.
• Ensures the 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

• Drives competitive advantage by identifying, evaluating and championing technical advancements, design trends and packaging innovations.
• Leads the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions focusing on recyclability, recycled content, lightweighting and waste reduction.
• Promotes and implements product material and package standardization and simplification to improve margins and achieve cost savings.
• Facilitates the sharing of ideas, knowledge, lessons learned and best practices to enhance processes.
• Contributes to the development of packaging‑related intellectual property.

Collaboration & Supplier Management

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

Technical Standards & Quality

• Develops, interprets and refines package testing procedures and standards.
• Establishes local packaging specifications (PGSS), processes and equipment in alignment with global goals and standards.ata maybe?
• Ensures that commercialization adheres to all Quality, Microbiology, EOHS, Product Safety and Regulatory standards.
• Applies 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.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors or Masters 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.

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 if you require accommodation.