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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Packaging Officer

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Supply ChainManufacturingEngineeringQuality AssuranceProduct Development

🎯 Role Definition

As a Packaging Officer, you will be the cornerstone of our product presentation and protection strategy. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Marketing, Procurement, and Quality Assurance to develop, test, and implement packaging solutions that meet our company's high standards for quality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. This role involves hands-on project management, technical specification development, and supplier relations to ensure our products are delivered safely and effectively to consumers while upholding our brand's image. You will be responsible for the entire packaging lifecycle, from initial design and material selection to production line trials and final approval, making you a key player in our operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Packaging Technologist
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Production Line Supervisor with a focus on packaging operations

Advancement To:

  • Senior Packaging Specialist / Senior Packaging Engineer
  • Packaging Development Manager
  • Procurement Manager (Packaging Category)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Process Improvement Engineer
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and innovate new packaging concepts and solutions in alignment with marketing briefs, production capabilities, and budget constraints.
  • Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to strict timelines and successful product launches.
  • Create, manage, and meticulously maintain detailed technical specifications for all packaging materials, including drawings, dimensions, and material compositions.
  • Source, evaluate, and qualify new packaging materials and suppliers to drive cost savings, improve performance, and advance sustainability goals.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute packaging line trials at manufacturing facilities to validate new materials, designs, and equipment, documenting and analyzing results.
  • Ensure all packaging components and finished goods comply with relevant local and international regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP, environmental laws).
  • Conduct comprehensive performance and transit testing (e.g., drop tests, vibration analysis, compatibility testing) to guarantee product integrity throughout the supply chain.
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for any packaging-related issues, defects, or customer complaints.
  • Collaborate closely with the procurement team to negotiate pricing and terms with packaging vendors, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
  • Oversee the packaging artwork approval process, liaising with design agencies and printers to ensure color accuracy and print quality meet brand standards.
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives by optimizing packaging designs, materials, and processes without compromising quality or performance.
  • Perform risk assessments on new and existing packaging systems to identify potential failures and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Author and maintain all necessary documentation for quality audits, regulatory submissions, and internal compliance related to packaging.
  • Evaluate and implement sustainable packaging alternatives to reduce environmental impact and meet corporate social responsibility targets.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with both internal stakeholders (Marketing, R&D, Operations) and external partners (suppliers, co-packers).

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Supply Chain team by providing forecasts for packaging material needs and assisting in inventory management strategies.
  • Train production and quality assurance personnel on new packaging standards, procedures, and quality inspection criteria.
  • Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, new packaging technologies, and material innovations to foster continuous improvement.
  • Assist the marketing and sales teams by providing technical packaging information and samples for presentations and customer meetings.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance overall operational efficiency.
  • Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term packaging strategy and sustainability roadmap.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Packaging Material Science: In-depth knowledge of various packaging materials such as plastics (polymers, flexibles, rigids), glass, metal, and paper/corrugated board.
  • Packaging Design Software: Proficiency with CAD software for technical drawings (e.g., AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD) and palletization software (e.g., TOPS or CAPE Pack).
  • Technical Specification Writing: Ability to create clear, precise, and comprehensive technical specifications for packaging components.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables using tools like MS Project, Jira, or Asana.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of packaging regulations and standards relevant to the industry (e.g., FMCG, food contact, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods).
  • Quality Control & Testing: Experience with packaging quality testing methodologies, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis techniques.
  • ERP/SAP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems, particularly modules related to procurement, inventory, and bill of materials (BOM).
  • Print & Artwork Processes: Knowledge of different printing technologies (flexography, rotogravure, offset) and the artwork management lifecycle.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve complex packaging challenges efficiently.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively liaise with diverse, cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of work, from specification writing to quality inspection.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong ability to negotiate with suppliers and influence internal stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with shifting deadlines.
  • Creativity & Innovation: A forward-thinking mindset to conceptualize and implement novel and effective packaging solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical or scientific field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a specialized field or a professional certification like CPP (Certified Packaging Professional).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Packaging Science / Packaging Engineering
  • Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
  • Material Science
  • Food Science or Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in a packaging development, technologist, or engineering role.

Preferred:

  • Experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment, such as FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics.
  • A demonstrated track record of successfully launching new products and leading cost-saving or sustainability-focused packaging projects.
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