Job Title: Retail Packaging Technologist
Salary: £Top Level Salary
Location: Ireland
Reference: J3549
Contact:
Telephone: 0141 647 6688
Categories:, ,
We are working with a leading high street leader you will work collaboratively and cross functionally across multiple departments, including Merchandising, Branding, Sourcing, Environmental, Sustainability, Finance, Supply Chain, Retail, Procurement, Legal and Quality. This new department requires a Packaging Technologist with the knowledge to provide support across all elements of the packaging life cycle.
This renowned retailer has over 50,000 product lines, all with varying packaging requirements, with an estimated annual spend of over £150m on packaging alone.
Responsibilities of the Packaging Technologist
1. Provide subject matter expertise on packaging design, construction, material selection and commercials to develop effective and efficient packaging solutions.
2. Support detailed development of enterprise wide packaging targets and develop technical solutions in order to meet packaging targets
3. Actively seek out packaging innovation through NGO, supplier partnerships, primary market research and push ways for using packaging as a differentiator from competition. Explore ways to move to circularity in our packaging using more sustainable materials.
4. Advise of trade-offs and develop options that strike the right balance of sustainability, durability and cost in targeted areas such as polybags, pack design and hangers.
5. Support development of new packaging solutions in apparel and lifestyle departments, working closely with Merchandising, Brand and Product/Packaging Suppliers
6. Drive consistency in design and standards across the product range where appropriate
7. Work closely with Packaging Buyer to develop solutions and sourcing strategies that use the brand scale to maximise economies of scale
8. Help trial new design standards and work with buying and merchandising to approve all new packaging designs or material changes
9. Drive continuous improvement of packaging solutions, provide technical and troubleshooting support on packaging issues
10. Support creation of escalation and packaging issue reporting process from SC to store and post-consumer
11. Explore opportunities to improve consistency of packaging across the business in order to simplify management and improve efficiency and cost
12. Identify ways to improve recyclability of packaging through return to store schemes and effective material selection
13. Partner with other departmental members to develop end to end packaging solutions that meet product needs and are on brand
14. Provide support and guidance on packaging regulations and requirements in new and existing markets and work closely with Sustainability, Environmental and Sustainability Team (ESET), Legal and Quality to ensure compliance.
15. Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to consider packaging requirements in New Product Development
16. Advise on sustainability of solutions and certification/GRS requirements to meet specifications and standards
17. Provide input into the packaging standards manual which will cover brand look and feel, as well as technical standards
18. Support development of systems and reporting to track and monitor progress of the packaging strategy
Experience
19. Multi-year experience working in a similar packaging technologist role in a large multinational business, retail experience preferred
20. Deep expertise in consumer packaging design
21. Expert knowledge of packaging suppliers and their capabilities
22. Experience of working within different operating models (direct source vs. nomination) and an understanding on when to use one vs the other
23. Experience of working with packaging suppliers internationally and supporting nomination/forecasting
24. Proven ability in previous roles to drive change in complex, matrix organisations in the packaging space
25. Knowledge of packaging regulations and compliance requirements, strong awareness of ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility issues
26. Demonstrated ability to forge close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior management levels
27. Proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with key suppliers
Skills & Competencies
28. Expert problem solver
29. Passionate about innovation
30. Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast pace, matrix environment
31. Able to prioritise effectively and manage business expectations
32. Strong business and commercial acumen
33. Collaborative and proactive in style
34. Self-motivated, focused and results orientated
35. Driven with proven track record of success
36. Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders
37. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
38. Good project management skills
39. Ability to travel as required (> 20%)
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