Packaging Specialist

SUMMARY:
Our client in the Tulbagh area is looking for a Packaging Specialist responsible for end-to-end management of packaging systems and specifications for fruit-based snack products, from early design and briefing through to commercial production and machine efficiency optimisation

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

1. Grade 12
2. Degree in Packaging Science or a related technical field
3. IPSA Diploma or higher
4. Minimum 5 years' experience in a packaging environment
5. Experience in FMCG or food manufacturing (strongly preferred)
6. Strong computer literacy, including data analysis and reporting
7. Demonstrated AI and digital tool usage for technical documentation and analysis
8. Very good knowledge of packaging materials, printing technologies and labeling
9. Problem-solving mindset and proactive learner

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, packaging and food labeling regulations (local & international)
• Minimise product recall and regulatory risk through sound packaging governance
• Maintain audit readiness and prevent non-conformances
• Quality, Production & Supplier Interface: act as technical packaging contact for internal teams and suppliers, support production through training of machine operators, provide technical guidance on printing technologies (ie flexographic vd digital) and conduct quality checks on incoming packaging materials
• Product Development, Launch & Collaboration: liaise with packaging suppliers and source new packaging solutions and vendors, participate in R & D project handover into commercial production, conduct and evaluate packaging solutions and vendors
• Brief and approve artwork and labeling in alignment with client and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with R & D on packaging functionality during concept development and material selection and innovation
• Operational Contribution & Growth Enablement: drive continuous improvement in packaging configuration and material usage, conduct machine capacity and efficiency calculation and optimise packaging machine run-rates and reduce packaging waste
• Develop and maintain SOP's for optimal machine setup and operating conditions
• Support machine troubleshooting during breakdowns and performance issues
• Ensure that packaging solutions are fit for purpose, cost-effective and production-ready

PLEASE NOTE: Thank you for your interest in this position, we will review and be in touch if you are suitable.

Due to the amount of applications we receive for each position, we are unable to respond to each one individually. Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you had no feedback within 7 days of applying. Your CV will remain on our database and we will be in touch for other suitable positions.

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