Expert - Packaging Materials & Compliance (3-7 yrs)

Location: Turbhe, Navi Mumbai

Reporting To: Head- Packaging Development / Head Packaging Pre-Development & Sustainability

Role Overview:

The Packaging Materials & Compliance Expert is responsible for developing sustainable packaging material technologies with a focus on plastics, aligning with company guidelines and packaging strategies. The role involves integrating regional requirements related to regulations, availability, and sustainability, while steering initiatives to incorporate recycled and renewable materials into packaging solutions. This position also emphasizes continuous improvement in cost, quality, and efficiency, ensuring compliance with corporate packaging standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Sustainability & Development:

- Represent the Regional Packaging Development team in achieving sustainability goals.

- Develop and implement sustainable plastics solutions like recycled and renewable materials.

- Guide the use of post-consumer recycled materials and support global regulatory compliance.

- Lead initiatives in line with the company's Global Plastic Pledge (Recycle, Reduce, Replace, Reuse).

Collaboration & Coordination:

- Supervise material development with external suppliers and internal partners.

- Support sourcing teams in supplier selection, auditing, and approvals.

- Collaborate with R&D labs for testing and packaging validation.

- Coordinate defined packaging development tasks to ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery.

Technical Expertise:

- Apply corporate guidelines for plastics in regional packaging projects.

- Conduct mandatory and optional test methods in coordination with labs.

- Stay updated with innovations in alternative packaging materials and waste management.

- Maintain master data documentation and generate necessary reports.

Business & Consumer Insights:

- Build deep expertise in a low-complexity category, aligning technical knowledge with business needs.

- Correlate consumer insights with available technologies and product offerings.

- Develop molding and engineering know-how for packaging design and recyclability.

Knowledge Management & Tools:

- Be proficient in tools like SAP, Clarity, Accolade, D2P, PMP, and Zeus.

- Act as a key user for SAP and contribute to Indian R&D working groups.

Required Competencies:

Technical Skills:

- Strong understanding of plastics, polymers, and packaging technology.

- Expertise in mechanical, chemical, and advanced recycling techniques.

- Knowledge of analytical characterization techniques such as GC-MS, FTIR.

- Familiarity with recycling systems in Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Industry Knowledge:

- Good grasp of the FMCG business environment and conversion technologies.

Project & Communication Skills:

- Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and MS Office.

- Strong interpersonal and presentation skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

- Ability to manage projects within defined timelines and constraints.

Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:

- Persuasive and collaborative, with a customer-service orientation.

- Ability to motivate and empower teams to achieve organizational goals.

Stakeholders:

Internal:

- Packaging Development, Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory, Corporate Sustainability, Quality, Analytical, and Technology teams.

External:

- Packaging material suppliers, design agencies, testing labs, universities, and research partners.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Qualification: Master's/Bachelor's degree in Polymers or Plastics Technology.

Experience:

- 3-7 years in sustainable packaging material development.

- Working knowledge of renewable plastics, circular economy, and advanced recycling.

- Familiarity with Asia-Pacific & African recycling systems is preferred.