R&D Packaging Specialist
Job Description
The Packaging Specialist based in Banbury UK, is responsible for developing packaging material specifications to meet the needs of the consumer, customer, distribution, shelf life, product protection, filling line performance and national regulations. Main tasks consist in:
- Preparing project plans and measuring performance against these
- Running trials (in JDE Factories and our Pilot Plant)
- Liaising closely with the plants (JDE & CoMan) to plan and coordinate trials by establishing a good working rapport with plant personnel to ensure maximum effectiveness of the trials and project success
- Establishing network with existing Suppliers, plus develop new Suppliers in conjunction with Procurement. Maintain contact with Suppliers on a regular basis.
- Seeking new technical ideas relevant to Coffee packaging, driving forward strategically relevant solutions, including materials improvements, processes to aid cost savings and improve efficiency
- Preparing specifications from Supplier data and experimental/trial work. Ensure all relevant safety and regulatory certification etc. is available before production
- Maintaining up to date specifications and technical drawing.
Qualifications
For this role as a Packaging Specialist, we’re looking for someone who has the following skills and experience:
- BSc/MS/PhD Scientific/Technical/Engineering degree or equivalent dedicated packaging qualification and vocational training
- Experience of working within a packaging development type position ideally within an FMCG environment
- Fluent in English and knowledge of another European language would be advantageous.
- Demonstrable project management skills are essential, together with the ability to operate in a complex, multi-national environment.
Additional Information
Jacobs Douwe Egberts Research and Development Centre Coffee and Tea (R&DC) is part of the Global JDE organization. R&D is the major contributor for developing Innovative coffee and tea products that delight the consumer.
The product/packaging portfolio is constantly being optimized to address 3 growth enabler pillars:
- Innovation: consumers expectations through new products and channels
- Sustainability: global trends and concerns around energy & waste reduction to protect environment and reduce impact on climate change, On-pack regulatory compliance with nutritional guidelines.
- Margin management: Support business needs to match certain price points while making no compromise on quality.
Projects are led in collaboration with Marketing, Manufacturing and Sourcing Departments.