Packaging Development Manager

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#169760 - Boksburg Gauteng South Africa

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets and our planet. Guided by our core values – Caring, Inclusive and Courageous – we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

The Packaging Development Manager is responsible for leading the design development and implementation of new and improved packaging solutions to support Colgate-Palmolive's strategic business goals. This role operates in a dynamic and evolving regulatory landscape requiring a proactive approach to sustainable packaging challenges and leveraging opportunities for innovation. The individual will autonomously resolve complex packaging challenges, making critical decisions on design material selection and project execution.

This position supports the following locations:

CP Canelands Plant, South Africa
CP Boksburg Plant, South Africa
CP Orbit Contract Manufacturer, Kenya
CP Douala Plant, Cameroon
CP Plastiserd Contract Manufacturer, Tahiti
CP Vega Contract Manufacturer, New Caledonia

Manages a team or individual of packaging technicians/engineers. Leads the entire lifecycle of regional and local packaging projects from conceptualization and initiation to commercialization.

Directs the design of packaging systems and components to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, consumer acceptance, manufacturing and quality requirements.

Manages all stages of development including design generation, prototype development, engineering specifications, mold and machinery qualification, functionality and quality testing, and technology transfer.

Utilizes a systematic project management approach to deliver projects on time and within budget while tracking and communicating progress, timelines and risks.

Ensures the feasibility and robustness of all packaging product and process designs.

Responsible for the creation and management of Purchase Orders for Artwork tools and packaging materials needed for qualification of new products.

Drives competitive advantage by identifying, evaluating and championing technical advancements, design trends and packaging innovations.

Leads the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions focusing on recyclability, recycled content, light weighting and waste reduction.

Promotes and implements product material and package standardization and simplification to improve margins and achieve cost savings.

Facilitates the sharing of ideas, knowledge, lessons learned and best practices to enhance processes.

Contributes to the development of packaging-related intellectual property.

Acts as a key interface with internal teams (GTC, CIC, Marketing, Supply Chain, Plant Management) and external packaging partners to ensure project alignment.

Partners with Procurement to develop, qualify and manage new suppliers and contract manufacturers. Involves suppliers early in the innovation cycle and develops mutually beneficial relationships.

Supports the execution of capital projects related to packaging (e.g. molds, machinery) in collaboration with Plant Engineering.

Develops, interprets and refines package testing procedures and standards. Establishes local packaging specifications (PGSS), processes and equipment in alignment with global goals and standards.

Ensures that commercialization adheres to all Quality, Microbiology, EOHS, Product Safety and Regulatory standards.

Applies statistical concepts, packages and design of experiments.

Responsible for the accurate declaration of packaging tons to the designated Producer…