Retail Packaging Support Specialist

Babylonstoren; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic retail company in South Africa is looking for a solution-oriented individual to join their packaging development team. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of packaging experience and a background in project management. Responsibilities include collaborating with suppliers, managing the packaging cycle, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. This position offers the chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to innovative packaging solutions.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in packaging development in retail or FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials and printing methods.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with teams and vendors for packaging adherence to brand standards.
• Support packaging development from concept to delivery.
• Manage timelines and logistics in collaboration with various teams.
• Evaluate packaging for cost and sustainability improvements.
• Oversee quality control and compliance checks for labeling.

Skills

Packaging development experience

Supplier collaboration

Excellent communication skills in Afrikaans and English

Organizational skills

Proficient in MS Office

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of sustainability standards

Education

Qualification in packaging technology, industrial design, or related field

Job description

To support and enhance our retail packaging operations, we’re looking for a solution‑oriented individual with experience in packaging development, supplier collaboration, and packaging material compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to join the dynamic Babylonstoren team!

The ideal candidate will have a background in packaging and project management, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously. An innovative mindset and an adaptable approach will contribute to successful outcomes and job satisfaction.

Requirements

• A qualification in packaging technology, industrial design, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in packaging development, ideally within a retail, FMCG, or food‑related environment.
• Excellent knowledge of packaging materials (paper, plastic, glass, etc.) and printing methods (offset, flexographic, digital).
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• A working understanding of sustainability standards, with the ability to recommend environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Afrikaans and English.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• A team‑oriented mindset, with a collaborative approach and proactive problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with product teams, designers, suppliers, and print vendors to ensure packaging meets Babylonstoren’s brand standards and technical specifications.
• Support the full packaging development cycle – from concept and artwork sign‑off through to testing and delivery.
• Coordinate packaging development logistics, managing timelines in collaboration with product, procurement, production, and retail operations teams.
• Evaluate packaging for cost‑efficiency and sustainability, recommending improvements that align with eco‑friendly initiatives.
• Oversee quality control through trial runs, feedback collection, and compliance checks for labelling and safety.
• Ensure technical compliance and adherence to packaging key indicators (PKIs), including recyclability and sustainability standards.
• Maintain up‑to‑date documentation, specifications, and packaging guidelines.
• Support the resolution of packaging‑related challenges through proactive problem‑solving.
• Assist with innovation and continuous improvement of packaging formats, materials, and processes.