Barden has been engaged by our client, a market leading, global FMCG company in Cork in their search to appoint a Packaging Technologist.
Reporting to and working very closely with the Technical Manager, this Packaging professional will be involved in leading packaging projects from concept to line-ready solutions. They will be working closely with Operations, NPD, and Procurement, driving innovative packaging development, solving operational challenges, and ensuring every pack meets legal, functional, and consumer standards.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
What You will Do:
* Act as the primary point of contact for all packaging-related operational issues, ensuring smooth line performance, material compatibility, and quick resolution of production challenges.
* Plan and execute packaging trials and validations for new materials, designs, or process changes, ensuring robust technical qualification and production readiness.
* Manage packaging implementation for new product developments and design changes, aligning with production capabilities and ensuring seamless product launches.
* Partner with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams to optimise packaging efficiency, reduce waste, and improve runnability and line speeds.
* Maintain packaging specifications, documentation, and artwork approvals in line with global regulatory, food safety, and environmental standards, ensuring audit readiness at all times.
* Deliver packaging expertise to sites ensuring they adhere to specifications, quality standards, and packaging material requirements: supporting onboarding and validations.
* Serve as the technical interface with packaging suppliers, overseeing trials, performance reviews, and issue resolution; collaborate with Procurement on cost and sustainability initiatives.
* Support the execution of sustainable packaging strategies such as downgauging, recyclability, and mono-material conversion, tracking progress against corporate and regulatory goals.
* Ensure packaging specifications, data, and artwork are accurately managed in site and global systems (e.g., spec systems, M3, artwork platforms).
* Represent the site in global packaging forums, share learnings, and drive continuous improvement projects focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and best practice alignment.
ABOUT THE PERSON:
* Experience in FMCG, ideally in food or pharmaceutical sectors, with a strong track record in launching and validating new packaging products and manufacturing processes.
* Solid understanding of rigid and flexible packaging, including tubs, pots, fibre-based products, and films, along with their materials and production methods.
* Skilled in interpreting and creating technical drawings, with 3D CAD experience considered a strong advantage.
* Familiarity with stage-gate product development processes and the ability to apply technical expertise throughout.
* Demonstrated ability to apply packaging knowledge in a commercial, fast-paced environment.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and networks across functions and stakeholders.