Packaging Manager

Job Description
The Packaging Manager serves as the organisation’s packaging technology expert, leading highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, and strategic initiatives. The role drives packaging innovation, develops long-term technology pipelines, and connects internal teams with external technology ecosystems to identify and implement solutions that support growth, sustainability, quality, efficiency, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Packaging Leadership

Independently lead highly complex packaging projects, platforms, and technical work streams.

Shape packaging technology strategy and contribute to long-term innovation roadmaps and 5 to 10-year packaging plans.

Partner with senior R&D leadership to identify future technology opportunities and business growth enablers.

Build and maintain a robust packaging innovation pipeline across business units and regions.

Technical Expertise

Act as the recognized subject matter expert for packaging technologies, materials, processes, and emerging trends.

Provide technical guidance, feasibility assessments, and scientific expertise to packaging development teams globally.

Evaluate and recommend packaging technologies that improve product performance, quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with packaging solutions and implementation activities.

Innovation & External Partnerships

Research and assess emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry developments.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, research institutions, industry associations, and external technology partners.

Evaluate new technologies for potential application within the Kraft Heinz portfolio.

Provide recommendations related to intellectual property, implementation constraints, and technology partnerships.

Global Collaboration & Influence

Collaborate with packaging developers, technology leads, procurement partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across global regions.

Lead technical discussions in global forums and influence decisions through deep technical expertise and business acumen.

Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, including senior leaders.

Coach and mentor packaging professionals to strengthen organisational capability.

Business Performance

Support delivery of innovation, productivity, sustainability, and value engineering objectives.

Influence investment and technology decisions with significant business impact.

Drive initiatives that enhance business growth, operational performance, quality outcomes, and cost efficiencies.

Key Stakeholders
Internal

R&D Directors

R&D Leadership Teams

Packaging Developers and Engineers

Product and Process Experts

Global Technology Leads

Global and Regional Procurement Teams

Senior Leadership Forums and Governance Boards

External

Packaging Suppliers

Material and Technology Providers

Research Institutions

Industry Networks and Associations

Innovation and Technology Partners

Decision-Making Authority

Leads decisions regarding packaging technology selection, technical feasibility, and platform direction.

Provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding technology adoption, strategic partnerships, intellectual property considerations, and implementation approaches.

Operates with a high degree of independence while aligning decisions with company strategy and governance.

Financial Impact

Influences packaging investments and technology decisions with an area of impact exceeding  €800K .

Contributes to financial performance through innovation, risk reduction, quality improvement, operational efficiency, and business growth initiatives.

Qualifications
Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree…