Trainee Manager – New Product Development

Human Destiny Executive Search and Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a qualified individual for a technical development role in the flexible packaging industry. Candidates should possess a Master's degree related to polymers or packaging, alongside 2-5 years of relevant experience across various sectors like food packaging. Key responsibilities include managing technology transfer and evaluating new materials while enhancing customer relationships.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
• 2-5 years of experience in the printing & packaging industry.
• Experience in food packaging and paper/plastic film.

Responsibilities

• Develop new RM and suppliers.
• Evaluate materials, processes, and equipment.
• Manage customer relationships and product testing.

Skills

Fluent in English

Technical knowledge in flexible packaging

Troubleshooting skills

Leadership

Teamwork abilities

Education

Master of Science or equivalent

Postgraduate in Polymer Science

Chemical Engineer or Diploma holder

Packaging Engineer or Diploma in Packaging & Printing

Job description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical development for all sample requests received from the marketing team and customers.
• Development of new RM and suppliers.
• Evaluate alternative materials, processes, and equipment.
• Identify new opportunities for future business pipelines and concepts.
• Discuss successful projects with the marketing team in I2M (Information to Market) format.
• Determine and implement improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers.
• Transfer new technologies, products, and manufacturing processes within Group companies.
• Document all phases of sample development for project commercialization.
• Manage customer relationships, including requests, reviews, visits, and product testing.
• Participate in industry conferences related to research topics of interest.
• Coordinate with the global technology team on new projects and implement best technologies across segments (Flexible) and vice versa.
• Assist in selecting new technologies, machinery, and business concepts.
• Lead key projects for GKA’s & LKA’s with marketing and operations teams to support business goals.

Educational Qualifications:

• Master of Science or equivalent, full-time from a recognized university.
• Postgraduate in Polymer Science.
• Chemical Engineer or Diploma holder.
• Packaging Engineer or Diploma in Packaging & Printing.

Additional Skills (Not compulsory):

• Fluent in verbal and written English communication.
• Technical knowledge in flexible packaging (products, machinery, technology, and raw materials).
• Troubleshooting skills and knowledge of different packaging lines.
• Computer skills and soft skills; good presentation skills.
• Leadership and teamwork abilities.

Experience in NPD or QA in the field:

• 2-5 years in the printing & packaging industry.
• 2-5 years in the food packaging industry.
• 2-5 years in paper/plastic film industry.