Packaging Lead

Role Overview

As the Packaging Lead, you will spearhead initiatives that drive technical excellence and innovation across packaging functions. Your leadership will facilitate projects to enhance quality, efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction by collaborating closely with engineering, quality assurance, production, and procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead complex packaging projects encompassing capital investments, asset construction, innovation, and process optimization.
• Offer technical guidance on packaging solutions, covering materials, specifications, supplier evaluation, validation, equipment commissioning, and operational handover.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new packaging formats and vendors to ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, environmental, and manufacturing standards.
• Support adjustments in packaging such as modifications to primary packaging, equipment, artwork, labeling, coding, and packaging optimization.
• Conduct risk assessments, utilize quality-by-design principles, and uphold compliance to guarantee first-time-right implementations.
• Collaborate with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and internal teams to troubleshoot and enhance packaging performance.
• Mentor and develop the Packaging team by sharing expertise, building capabilities, and fostering continuous learning.
• Identify cost-saving, efficiency-boosting, waste-reduction, and sustainable packaging improvements.
• Provide expert packaging advice for customer projects, business expansion, and new product development.

Candidate Profile

• Previous packaging experience within dairy, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aseptic or similarly regulated settings.
• Possession of tertiary qualifications in Packaging, Food Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or relevant disciplines preferred, though substantial industry experience is valued.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, specifications, artwork, labeling, coding, and packaging processes.
• Experience managing packaging alterations, new product launches, equipment upgrades, or process improvements.
• Proficient problem-solving capabilities to evaluate risks, investigate challenges, and implement effective resolutions.
• Proactive approach to project management, prioritization of multiple demands, and stakeholder influence.
• Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and streamlining work processes.

About Synlait Milk Limited

Synlait Milk Limited is a global leader in milk nutrition, driven by a purpose to innovate for a healthier world. Our company culture is anchored in the Synlait Spirit, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and delivering impactful results. We uphold high standards to feed vulnerable populations including newborns, combining expert farming with advanced processing technologies.

Employee Benefits

• Health insurance coverage with access to leading brand benefits and discounts.
• Generous parental leave policies through our Matua policy.
• B Corp TM certification reflecting our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
• Opportunities for social club memberships and participation.

Additional Information

Applicants outside New Zealand will only be considered if they have the legal right to work and reside in New Zealand. We encourage early applications as we review submissions continuously and may close the vacancy earlier than advertised. Please submit a current CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and what you can contribute to Synlait.