Packaging Development Specialist - FMCG

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Attendance at industry conferences

Creative and collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Packaging Development Specialist to join our FMCG product development team in Paarl, Western Cape. You will conceptualize, design, and implement new packaging solutions to enhance product appeal, functionality, and sustainability.

You will collaborate with R&D, marketing, and production to bring concepts to market, ensuring compliance with food safety and environmental standards. A strong background in packaging materials, processes, and testing is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years in packaging development within FMCG.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, processes (extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming).
• Familiarity with packaging design tools and food-contact regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new packaging concepts from ideation to commercialization.
• Collaborate with marketing and R&D to understand product requirements.
• Evaluate materials based on protection, cost, and sustainability goals.
• Work with suppliers to prototype and test packaging structures.
• Conduct performance tests on materials and finished packs (barrier, drop tests, shelf-life).
• Ensure designs comply with food safety, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Develop packaging specifications and artwork guidelines.
• Support scale-up from lab to production.
• Identify cost-saving or performance-improvement opportunities.
• Stay current with packaging trends and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science

Tools

Packaging design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer, is seeking an innovative and experienced Packaging Development Specialist to join their dynamic product development team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing new packaging solutions that enhance product appeal, functionality, and sustainability. The Packaging Development Specialist will work closely with R&D, marketing, and production departments to bring novel packaging concepts to market. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of packaging materials, converting processes, and regulatory requirements within the FMCG sector. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of product presentation for well-known brands in the scenic Paarl region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new packaging concepts and designs from initial ideation to commercialization.
• Collaborate with marketing and R&D teams to understand product requirements and consumer insights.
• Evaluate and select appropriate packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, glass, metal) based on product protection, cost, and sustainability goals.
• Work with suppliers to prototype and test new packaging structures and formats.
• Conduct performance testing of packaging materials and finished packages (e.g., barrier properties, drop tests, shelf-life studies).
• Ensure packaging designs comply with food safety, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Develop detailed packaging specifications and artwork guidelines.
• Support the scale-up of packaging designs from lab to full-scale production.
• Analyze existing packaging and identify opportunities for cost savings or performance improvements.
• Stay current with packaging trends, technologies, and sustainability initiatives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in packaging development, specifically within the FMCG industry.
• In-depth knowledge of various packaging materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming), and testing methods.
• Experience with packaging design software and tools.
• Understanding of food contact regulations and sustainability requirements in packaging.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Creative mindset with a passion for innovation in packaging.
• Proficiency in communicating technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proximity to or willingness to commute to Paarl, Western Cape is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based incentives, and other rewards.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences are available.
• Work within a creative and collaborative environment focused on product innovation.
• This role offers the chance to impact product presentation and consumer experience significantly.
• Join a leading FMCG company with a strong presence in the Paarl region and beyond.
• Contribute to developing sustainable and cutting-edge packaging solutions.
• The company promotes a positive work culture and employee well-being.