Pre-Project Manager - Packaging

Tetra Pak; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global landscape opportunities

Innovation culture

Job summary

Tetra Pak in Johannesburg, South Africa, is seeking a Pre-Project Manager for Packaging to lead project execution and leadership across packaging equipment projects. The role focuses on planning, coordinating resources, and delivering on time and within budget while ensuring safety and customer satisfaction.

You will define objectives with the Design Team, manage multi-disciplinary teams, and drive continuous improvement. Travel up to 30% and permanent based in Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Food Science or similar with technical Project Management experience.
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in packaging or plants.
• Experience in installation/commissioning in packaging or manufacturing machinery.

Responsibilities

• Lead precontract activities and project execution within time, cost and quality targets.
• Define project objectives and oversee quality control across the life cycle.
• Coordinate resources and subcontractors to meet plan and budget.
• Develop project plans, schedules and progress reports.
• Manage risks, dependencies and change control with stakeholders.
• Mentor team members and build strong internal relationships.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Scheduling

Budgeting

MS Project

Planview

SAP

Education

Engineering or Food Science degree

Tools

MS Project

Planview

SAP

Job description

Job Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

At Tetra Pak we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere; and we protect what's good – protecting food, protecting people, and protecting the planet. By doing so we touch millions of people's lives every day.

And we need people like you to make it happen.

We empower you to reach your potential with opportunities to make an impact to be proud of – for food, people and the planet.

Job Summary

Our organisation is seeking a Pre- Project Manager for Packaging is to be responsible for project execution and project leadership.

The role of Pre-Project Manager is to plan, execute, and finalize projects according to strict quality standards, deadlines and within budget while maintaining high levels of safety and customer satisfaction. This includes managing resources and coordinating the efforts of team members and subcontractors in order to deliver projects according to plan and budget.

The Pre-Project Manager will also define the project’s objectives and oversee quality control throughout its life cycle in coordination with the Design Team.

This is a permanent position based in Johannesburg, South Africa and it foresees travelling 30% of the time.

What you will do

• Lead the precontract activities to develop solutions supporting Value Selling in Project Centre. Lead execution of Solution Design activities required for installation projects for Packaging Equipment, Lines and Plants
• Lead and execute, as Project Centre engineering subject matter expert, the definition of equipment and line integration, automation and secondary packaging for Tetra Pak and 3rd Party packaging equipment and services, in installation projects.
• Participate in identification and execution of project scope changes. Lead the creation of project documentation to support procurement and installation requirements.
• Lead execution to develop and maintain Project Centre Packaging line concepts and solutions.
• Lead the technical evaluation and development of external Project Centre CE suppliers
• Lead the execution, and standardization, of the Global processes, tools, applications, guidelines and templates within Project Engineering.
• Lead Project Centre knowledge of installation procedures, Tetra Pak Product Portfolio and manufacturing principles
• Participate in the Continuous Improvement activities.
• Develop project plans and schedule
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as Tetra Pak policies, procedures and guidelines
• Continuously communicate with Customers
• Timely set and continually manage project expectations with team members and Customers
• Draft and submit budget proposals, and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools
• Track project milestones and deliverables
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals and requirements documentation
• Analyze results and generate Lesson Learnt
• Proactively manage changes in project scope and potential crises, and advise for recovery plans
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise project team members and subcontractors, and influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work
• Build, develop, and grow business relationships within the Company
• Develop best practices and tools for projects execution and management,

We believe you have

• Degree in Engineering or Food Science or similar with technical Project Management experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in project management in a packaging company or company supplying Industrial Plants/Machines is preferred
• Experience working in packaging or manufacturing machinery industry, in installation / commissioning activities
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of PMI standards and/or PMP certification is a plus
• Confident user skills of MS Project, Planveiw and SAP are a plus
• Basic Occupational Health and Safety competences to secure compliance
• Proven ability to develop effective relationships and gain credibility across all stakeholders and levels
• Lateral thinking, flexible approach and resilience
• Ability to prioritize workload depending on project phases
• Willingness to learn and agile attitude to navigate through changes
• Driving license and willingness to travel when necessary

We Offer You

• A variety of exciting challenges with ample opportunities for development and training in a truly global landscape
• A culture that pioneers a spirit of innovation where our industry experts drive visible results
• An equal opportunity employment experience that values diversity and inclusion
• Market competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements

This job posting expires on 2 October 2026.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is an everyday part of how we work. We give people a place to belong and support to thrive, an environment where everyone can be comfortable being themselves and has equal opportunities to grow and succeed. We embrace difference, celebrate people for who they are, and for the diversity they bring that helps us better understand and connect with our customers and communities worldwide.