APAC - Assistant Packaging Manager

Role Summary

The role entails looking after packaging development and execution for South East Asia markets based in Malaysia, which is part of the APAC region. The role reports into Global Packaging team based in Amsterdam and is part of a global packaging team with packaging colleagues based in Amsterdam and other key regions such as Europe, AMERICAS and PAMET. This role is a stepping stone for someone who wants to be at the centre of new packaging design developments. Any decisions made for packaging has to be aligned with the global packaging strategy and local market needs. Communication flow and transfer, between global packaging team, local and regional business teams is key.

Key Tasks on the role

• Acting as Packaging workstream leader for key packaging projects
• Developing and designing packaging to the packaging action standards for each packaging material
• Responsible for the creation, development and completion of packaging specifications and P&Ps (Packaging & Palletisation specs) in the company data system for all key innovations, redesigns or activities for packaging.
• Working closely with the Packaging lead for APAC based in China
• From time to time - Looking for and sharing inspirational packaging designs and developments to the global and regional packaging teams along with the local business teams
• Responsible for adhering to the company targets on packaging sustainability and net zero on a 6 monthly/quarterly basis working closely with the Global Packaging excellence lead

Stakeholder Management and key interfaces

• Daily interactions with the local and regional business teams:, marketing, procurement, supply chain, finance, sales and customer teams
• Managing effective connection with local/regional teams, factories and 3rd party copackers with travel as needed
• Managing key contacts and connections with key packaging suppliers

 Skills and Experience

• Experienced packaging engineer/developer/ designer for 3+ years.
• Experienced in dealing with different packaging materials particularly paper and board, flexibles and aseptic packaging.
• Fluent in English
• Basic awareness in business acumen e.g. cost of goods, gross margins etc
• Minimum 2+ years in FMCG/Retail
• Minimum Bachelors Degree in packaging materials, engineering, design or equivalent
• Knowledge of teabag materials and technologies preferable
• Travel Required: 30-40%

Who we are looking for the role

• Great communicator, able to efficiently manage multiple stakeholders at local, regional and global level.
• Problem solving skills, great at troubleshooting various issues
• People centric, consumer centric and customer centric – ability to create and maintain relationships organically
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects with excellent time management skills