Packaging Optimisation Lead: Data-Driven & Eco-Smart

takealot.com; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, seeks a Packaging Optimisation Specialist in Cape Town to lead multi-year packaging improvement initiatives aligned with growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals. The role reports to the National Planning & Procurement Manager and requires hands-on floor time and cross-functional collaboration.

You will set KPIs, analyze data, pilot new packaging technologies, and build standardised packaging practices across warehouses, while driving

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Science)
• 5-7 years' experience in packaging engineering, fulfilment operations, continuous improvement, or supply chain optimisation
• Proven track record of leading cost-reduction or sustainability programmes with measurable results
• Strong analytical capability with SQL, Excel/Google Sheets, and at least one BI tool (Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
• Lean methodology experience; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a strong plus
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; able to influence senior leadership
• Hands-on warehouse floor experience; not desk-only role
• Experience in digital marketplaces or large-scale retail logistics or 3PL
• Knowledge of packaging automation and robotics

Responsibilities

• Create a 2-3 year plan for improved packaging aligned with growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals
• Research packaging practices from global leaders and bring best ideas to Takealot
• Set packaging KPIs and report progress to senior management
• Build system to track packaging data: parcel sizes, fill rate, material use, damage rates, cost per parcel
• Analyze order/product data to optimize box sizes and reduce waste
• Forecast packaging material needs to avoid stockouts or overstock
• Study packing station workflows to improve speed and ease for staff
• Create standard packaging instructions for all warehouses
• Test new packaging technologies and pilots with clear success metrics
• Maintain list of packaging suppliers and monitor performance
• Collaborate with sustainability to measure parcel carbon footprint
• Engage with suppliers regularly and explore local SA manufacturers
• Ensure packaging choices align with delivery vehicle constraints and costs
• Monitor customer feedback on packaging to drive improvements
• Coordinate with engineering to optimize warehouse layout for packing

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Project management

Strategic thinking

Hands-on mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SQL

Excel/Google Sheets

Power BI

Tableau

Looker

Job description

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, seeks a Packaging Optimisation Specialist in Cape Town to lead multi-year packaging improvement initiatives aligned with growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals. The role reports to the National Planning & Procurement Manager and requires hands-on floor time and cross-functional collaboration.

You will set KPIs, analyze data, pilot new packaging technologies, and build standardised packaging practices across warehouses, while driving