Packaging Optimisation Specialist

, South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Packaging Optimisation Specialist
to join our team in
Cape Town

We are a young, dynamic, hyper growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market related, Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs, a great work environment and a promise that you won’t be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

This position reports to the :
National Planning & Procurement Manager

• Create a long-term plan (2-3 years) for improving how Takealot packages products, aligned with the company's growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals.
• Look at what global e-commerce leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba, and Jumia are doing with packaging, and bring the best ideas to Takealot.
• Set clear packaging goals (KPIs) for the whole company and report progress to senior management.
• Build a system to track key packaging data - parcel sizes, how well boxes are filled, how much material is used, damage rates, and cost per parcel.
• Analyse order and product data to figure out the best box sizes and reduce wasted space in parcels.
• Use data to predict how much packaging material will be needed, so the warehouse doesn't run out or overstock.
• Study how packing stations work - watch how long tasks take and where delays happen - to find ways to speed things up and make the work easier for staff.
• Create standard packaging instructions that all Takealot warehouses follow, so every parcel is packed the same way.
• Use proven improvement methods (like 5S and Kaizen) to make the packing process faster, cleaner, and more efficient.
• Find and test new packaging technologies, including:
• Machines that make custom-sized boxes on the spot (Cross boarder Merchants)
• Automated systems that fill empty space in parcels/ Void fill innovations
• Smart packaging with tracking chips (RFID/NFC)
• Liquid protection packaging solutions
  
  Cheaper and sustainable packaging for Returns to Merchants Dark store packaging material types and
• Run structured trials for new ideas - with a clear plan, success measures, and a decision on whether to roll them out or not.
• Keep a list of upcoming packaging innovations and report progress every quarter to the innovation committee.
• Category Management:
  Work with product teams to understand what different items need - fragile products, electronics, groceries, or large items.
• Supplier Relations & Procurement:
  Manage relationships with packaging suppliers, negotiate prices, and make sure there's always enough stock.
• Logistics & Last-Mile:
  Make sure packaging choices work well with delivery vehicles and courier size and weight limits.
• Customer
  
  Experience:
  
  Keep an eye on customer feedback about packaging and use it to improve.
• Engineering & Facilities:
  Work with the warehouse team on how packing stations are laid out and how new machines fit in.
• Keep a list of approved packaging suppliers and regularly check how they perform on quality, delivery time, pricing, and sustainability.
• Meet with suppliers regularly to review their performance and address any issues.
• Look for local South African packaging manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports and support local industry.
• Reduce the amount of single-use plastic, filler materials, and overall waste in packaging.
• Test eco-friendly alternatives - like biodegradable, compostable, recycled, or reusable packaging - that work in South Africa.
• Make sure Takealot follows South African environmental regulations (EPR) and contribute to the company's sustainability reports.
• Work with the sustainability team to measure the carbon footprint of each parcel and set targets to…