Retail Packaging Technologist - Ireland - £Top Level Salary

Job Title: Retail Packaging Technologist

The position has now been filled. This listing remains available for similar future vacancies.

• Provide subject matter expertise on packaging design, construction, material selection and commercials to develop effective and efficient packaging solutions.
• Support detailed development of enterprise wide packaging targets and develop technical solutions in order to meet packaging targets.
• Actively seek out packaging innovation through NGO, supplier partnerships, primary market research and push ways for using packaging as a differentiator from competition. Explore ways to move to circularity in our packaging using more sustainable materials.
• Advise of trade offs and develop options that strike the right balance of sustainability, durability and cost in targeted areas such as polybags, pack design and hangers.
• Support development of new packaging solutions in apparel and lifestyle departments, working closely with Merchandising, Brand and Product/Packaging Suppliers.
• Drive consistency in design and standards across the product range where appropriate.
• Work closely with Packaging Buyer to develop solutions and sourcing strategies that use the brand scale to maximise economies of scale.
• Help trial new design standards and work with buying and merchandising to approve all new packaging designs or material changes.
• Drive continuous improvement of packaging solutions, provide technical and troubleshooting support on packaging issues.
• Support creation of escalation and packaging issue reporting process from SC to store and post consumer.
• Explore opportunities to improve consistency of packaging across the business in order to simplify management and improve efficiency and cost.
• Identify ways to improve recyclability of packaging through return to store schemes and effective material selection.
• Partner with other departmental members to develop end to end packaging solutions that meet product needs and are on brand.
• Provide support and guidance on packaging regulations and requirements in new and existing markets and work closely with Sustainability, Environmental and Sustainability Team (ESET), Legal and Quality to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to consider packaging requirements in New Product Development.
• Advise on sustainability of solutions and certification/GRS requirements to meet specifications and standards.
• Provide input into the packaging standards manual which will cover brand look and feel, as well as technical standards.
• Support development of systems and reporting to track and monitor progress of the packaging strategy.

• Multi year experience working in a similar packaging technologist role in a large multinational business, retail experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge of packaging suppliers and their capabilities.
• Experience of working within different operating models (direct source vs. nomination) and an understanding on when to use one vs the other.
• Experience of working with packaging suppliers internationally and supporting nomination/forecasting.
• Proven ability in previous roles to drive change in complex, matrix organisations in the packaging space.
• Knowledge of packaging regulations and compliance requirements, strong awareness of ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility issues.
• Demonstrated ability to forge close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior management levels.
• Proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
• Passionate about innovation.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast pace, matrix environment.
• Able to prioritise effectively and manage business expectations.
• Strong business and commercial acumen.
• Collaborative and proactive in style.
• Self motivated, focused and results orientated.
• Driven with proven track record of success.
• Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.