Packaging Technologist

Role overview

Join the New Zealand Research & Development team in Hastings as a Packaging Technologist in a permanent full-time role. This opportunity is suited to someone who wants to build a career in R&D within a fast-moving, collaborative environment that supports internal progression and ongoing development.

About the company

Kraft Heinz is a major global food and beverage business with eight brands generating more than $1 billion each in annual sales. Its portfolio spans condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment drinks, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and many other grocery items. The company operates across more than 40 countries and manages over 200 established and emerging brands.

What the role involves

• Drive and support packaging initiatives for new product development, cost savings, quality upgrades, and process improvements.
• Manage project delivery so work is completed on schedule and to a strong standard.
• Create packaging solutions that reduce total cost across materials, operations, and logistics while still meeting business needs.
• Make sure packaging work aligns with the Australian Packaging Covenant and the New Zealand Packaging Stewardship scheme.
• Prepare, maintain, and govern packaging specifications and related records.
• Work closely with packaging suppliers to stay informed about market trends and innovation, while securing the best balance of performance, cost, and new ideas.
• Offer technical help to other teams on packaging matters and troubleshoot packaging-related issues.
• Keep technical packaging documents accurate, current, and well controlled.
• Contribute to positioning Heinz as a leader in innovative packaging that supports profitability.

What you need

• At least 3 years of experience in an FMCG environment in a packaging or other technical role.
• Confidence working independently as well as within a team to solve problems and improve processes.
• Strong communication skills, both spoken and written, along with solid interpersonal ability.
• Good analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Well-developed planning, organisation, and project management skills.
• Clear technical understanding of packaging materials.
• Practical knowledge of canning, bottle, glass, and pouch materials and related processes.
• A degree in Science, Technology, or Engineering.
• Formal qualification in Packaging Technology.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility around where and when you work.
• Volunteer leave and LiveWell leave options to support time for personal priorities and meaningful causes.
• Recognition through Great Place to Work certification in Australia and New Zealand.
• Access to in-house training programs.

Additional information

The role is based in Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, at King Street. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the employer may close the vacancy at any time.

Equal opportunity

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from underrepresented ethnic minority groups, women, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected classes.