Head of Packaging

SUMMARY:
An exciting opportunity has opened in Stellenbosch for a Head of Packaging within a reputable international FMCG company. This strategic role offers the chance to lead and innovate across a well-known, beloved brand, driving packaging excellence, sustainability, and long-term product impact. A fantastic opportunity for a seasoned packaging leader looking to shape brand identity at a global level.

POSITION INFO:
The Head of Packaging will oversee the full lifecycle of all packaging initiatives, ensuring alignment with quality, innovation, and sustainability standards. This senior leadership position includes managing a high-performing team, driving strategic packaging development, and supporting key business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and the ability to influence and collaborate across departments to deliver impactful packaging solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Drive effective lifecycle management of all packaging assets and ensure adherence to technical standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Lead packaging forums and collaborate closely with plants, supply chain, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support business performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, reduce working capital, and contribute to cost and capital optimisation projects.
• Provide specialised technical support to plants to improve operational performance, including audits, line optimisation, and capability enhancement.
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to enable strategic priorities and optimise capital projects.
• Partner with business units to deliver products to market at optimal cost while meeting quality and business requirements.
• Drive technological innovation by assessing and implementing new technologies, and support NPD, innovation projects, and complex technical problem-solving.
• Develop and grow cross-functional teams through skills development, succession planning, performance management, and retention of critical packaging talent.

• Degree in Engineering, Product Management, or Supply Chain.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a senior packaging role.
• Proven experience in leading operations, engineering, manufacturing, and capital project functions within a multinational FMCG environment, ideally within the alcoholic beverages sector.
• Experience overseeing multiple large-scale manufacturing sites.
• Strong technical expertise in production and packaging line operations, with the ability to optimise and improve pack hall performance to maximise output.
• Solid project management experience.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with financial analysis skills considered an advantage.
• Experience in simulation, process optimisation, and consulting.