R&D Senior Packaging & Process Officer

JOB OBJECTIVE

The R&D Senior Officer is responsible for driving innovation and ensuring the successful development and optimization of packaging to meet market demands, enhance consumer satisfaction, and support the company’s strategic goals. The role focuses on managing the development of new packaging, improving existing packaging, and optimizing processes to support long-term growth and requires a balance of creativity, technical expertise, and cross-functional leadership in ensuring delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions while adhering to regulatory and quality standards

The R&D Senior Officer will manage multiple packaging categories, with minimal supervision, in the delivery of identified packaging initiatives according to defined and agreed strategies, steps, and measures for product, package, and/or process development requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Packaging Development

• Develop new packaging aligned with consumer trends, regulatory requirements and market demand, aligned with the company goals

• Test and refine packaging concepts to ensure optimal quality and performance.

• Applies basic and specialized tests required in the conduct of product, package and/or process development.

• Conducts material qualification and provides analysis and recommendation based on results.

Technical Support

• Support manufacturing by troubleshooting packaging-related issues during production runs

• Leads in line qualification and pilot-scale testing to validate product performance

Technology Research and Innovation

• Conduct research on emerging packaging technologies and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and integrate innovative solutions and technologies into the packaging development process

• Keep abreast of market trends and propose new ideas for product and packaging development

Product Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensure that packaging developed and handled meet quality standards and adherence to regulatory standards and quality requirements.

• Leads in product assessment/reviews and testing as against government regulations, product standards for product, package, process, product safety and quality.

Technical Documentation, Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain detailed and organized records of research activities, experimental protocols, and results.

• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

• Document all technical requirements related to product manual, product registration and other basic regulatory requirements with minimal supervision

• Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation, including packaging specifications, test results, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Present research findings and packaging development update to internal stakeholders

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and vendors, as aligned with superior, all technical updates related to projects handled and restricted to own product category

• Communicate research findings through presentations, reports, and regular updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Leads in technical reviews within R&D/QA and Manufacturing on projects involved with.

• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to implement necessary measures for continuous improvement

Project Management

• Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and milestones are met.

• Set measurable objectives for R&D initiatives and track performance against set performance matrix.

• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams throughout the development lifecycle.

• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Authority

• Technical authority on projects being handled related to packaging/process/product development requirements aligned with immediate superior.

FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Materials Science /Materials Science and Engineering, Packaging Engineering

Experience / Expertise

• 4 years minimum experience in product/packaging development, or similar R&D roles in the food, beverage, or FMCG industry, with experience on successful completion of multiple projects with excellence

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of packaging development processes and ingredient functionalities and process optimization.

• Advanced knowledge with laboratory and pilot-scale testing.

• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools; experience with SAP is an advantage.

• Easily adaptable in digital technology and its use.

• Basic knowledge in culinary and nutrition is an advantage.

• Developed communication skills, both oral and written, to exchange valuable information even outside of the department.

Personal Attributes

• Creativity and a passion for innovation.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach to challenges.

• Entrepreneurial mindset