Job Advert Summary
Clover is looking for Research and Development Specialist: Packaging to manage all packaging-related topics such as Development & Design, Innovation, Optimisation, Compliance and Technical support. This position is based at Clover Head Office in Roodepoort.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Business English: Fluent
Code 08 Driver's License
Good knowledge of packaging raw materials, technologies and functionality
Knowledge of relevant printing processes
Understanding packaging principles & optimisation strategies
Project Management experience
Travel off-site/Overnight Stay
Computer Literacy (Intermediate)
Working with Senior Management
Duties and Responsibilities
Design & Developing of packaging material
Propose clear packaging recommendations in line with marketing briefs, considering technical feasibility, value analysis, risks, cost, accessibility, timing, food safety, etc.
Provide the necessary drawings, dummies, worksmaps and all relevant specification requirements
Be the technical packaging expert & support to all relevant departments (Marketing, Procurement, Production, Quality, Logistics)
Coordinate and supervise packaging material trials and manage all the packaging aspects of projects
Define the key criteria of packaging quality and the means to control
Drive a zero waste & environment friendly culture
Participate in shelf life predictive modelling, relevant shelf life testing and/or consumer tests
Stay abreast of local & international packaging launches & trends and communicate opportunities within the Business
Establish frequent strategic innovation sessions with Marketing to share local and global innovations, ideas and trends
Build strong networks with key packaging suppliers with the objective to obtain information on innovation, new technology and application
Ensure the development of packaging in line with the Marketing brief and company's business plans, cost targets and delivering on defined consumer expectations
Build strong cross-functional relationships with Marketing, Procurement, Production, NBD, Quality and other relevant internal functions
Liaise with packaging material suppliers
Investigate & develop knowledge on new pack materials & ingredients, functionalities, technologies, printing processes, packaging equipment, innovation and saving opportunities
Build efficient and professional relationship with suppliers to strengthen technical networks
Co-ordinate communications amongst suppliers, procurement, production and quality teams
Mitigate risk for Clover by evaluating & auditing potential new and/or alternative suppliers
Assist with supplier quality audits and incident investigations
Responds to packaging quality issues and work cross functionally with both Supply Chain & Packaging Suppliers to resolve
Ensure regulatory adherence and compliance
Ensure compliance with the operational requirements of the factory
Create packaging item codes, load and maintain the BOM's
Draft, issue, maintain and control packaging material specifications, pallet configurations and colour standards
Ensure pack material designs & quality aspects comply with operational requirements and constraints of the factories
As the packaging technical support, assist and even lead the process of fault finding (including corrective actions), in co-operation with Production, Procurement, Logistics, Quality and PIT teams, for existing packaging with continuous specification deviations
Participate with Engineering and Production in setting up and commissioning of new packaging lines/equipment
Support & implement continuous improvements/optimisations of current packaging & processes within factories and external manufacturers according to organizational needs
Continuously evaluate & improve the design & quality standards of the product ranges, through local and international benchmarking
Take part in technical projects including technical assistance, sourcing, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings. Also managing timelines, uncovering roadblocks, defining critical paths and identifying resource constraints
Continuously search for and identify new fields of cost saving and/or other optimisation or packaging efficiency improvements
Evaluate, control and implement new packaging optimisations
Provide first line support to external factories by acting as the resource for packaging knowledge & expertise to eliminate the root cause of assistance requests
Undertaking long-term projects with other departments, e.g. reducing waste by improving efficiency
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