Senior Packaging Development Technologist
ABP Ireland & Affiliates
Location: On site / Townparks, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, Irelandjob type: Permanent / Full-timeSector and subsector: Product and Innovation | Product ManagementSalary: Negotiable salary
At ABP we aim to hire the brightest and the best. People who are aligned with our values and are passionate about our industry. We are committed to developing our people, whether it be upskilling our employees across a diverse range of skills through our onsite training programs or nurturing the next generation of leaders through our graduate program. No matter what stage of their career our people are at, we empower them to take ownership of their roles.
ABP is one of Europe’s leading privately owned agribusiness companies and is the largest beef processor in Ireland and the UK. The company also operates substantial renewable (Olleco), pet food (C&D), and protein divisions. ABP and its affiliates employ over 14,000 people and have over 50 manufacturing plants operating across nine countries. For more information, visit www.abpfoodgroup.com .
We are now recruiting for a Packaging Development Senior Technologist / Manager to provide technical expertise and guidance on packaging topics within the business. The successful candidate will support group and site-specific packaging projects from concept to launch, keeping up with the latest developments and best practices according to stakeholder expectations. They will support approval of new packaging suppliers, new specifications, and cost saving initiatives from concept through to industrialization (first production). In this role, the Senior Packaging Development Technologist will co‑lead packaging technical strategy aligned with business and sustainability objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Packaging Development Technologist will be broadly responsible for:
Packaging material selection / testing
Shelf-life validation with QA
Driving cost reduction & sustainability initiatives
The day‑to‑day role will include the following but will extend to all activity needed to fulfil the key responsibilities above.
Lead complex, high‑value and high‑risk packaging development projects at group level
Own and approve packaging specifications and validation protocols
Lead strategic supplier and technical reviews and performance improvements initiatives
Proactively identify packaging‑related risks and define mitigation strategies early in project life cycle.
Support projects to ensure analytical requirements are performed, at optimum cost, and within the agreed time frame.
Participate in technical discussions with the suppliers and providers of analytical services
Participate in packaging trials (planning/ execution/ follow up) according to projects needs
Communicate technical information, opportunities, and potential risks within the project teams to facilitate effective decision making
Identify and implement opportunities for improvements related to packaging analysis
Identify and establish connections with new analytical partners and laboratories
Organize and manage external packaging food safety analysis according to external requests and internal analytical plans
Participate in packaging supplier’s audits according to business needs
Support ABP sites with enquiries on packaging documentation during internal/ external audits
Follow up, support and communicate packaging related legislation changes all over ABP
Advise QC teams on how best to investigate packaging‑related complaints and non‑conformances
PERSONAL COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in Packaging or related Science field (Packaging Technology, Food Science or similar).
Previous experience in packaging, FMCG experience preferred, minimum 5+ years.
Demonstrated experience in leading cross‑site and international projects.
Proven track record of delivering cost optimization and sustainability transformation initiatives.
Strong strategic thinking, decision‑making and stakeholders influencing capabilities.
Possess the ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers, internal teams and customers.
A demonstrated numerical ability to record, interpret and analyse key process data.
High level of computer literacy and competency – Microsoft Office.
A willingness to travel throughout Europe as and when required.
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