Packaging Development Manager

We are seeking a Package Development Manager for a major international food and pet food company. Their products are very well-known in the Japanese and global markets.

Job Purpose/Overview

• Japan Co-packer and Co-man are critical business drivers for the company. This position is responsible for managing package development at Japan Co-packer and Co-man by meeting consumer/customer needs, local regulations, and the company's Global Quality Standards.
• The role is responsible to deliver growth ambition through new package development, achieving the company's Japan package sustainability 2030 target, optimize the cost through value leadership programs and continuous work process optimization for efficiency improvement.

*This position would be required to come to the office at least three days a week (at least 50% of the month)

Key Responsibilities

Functional responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end package-related activities by collaborating with Japan Mktg, R&D, and SCM associates, including discovery and translation of meaningful consumer insights into feasible packaging design solutions, prototype sample development, Packaging document preparation, Packaging Testing, Line Trials, Commissioning, Validation and start-up.
• Execute package sustainability program with Japan commercial, CA, and Mktg according to our package sustainability 2030 goals and deliver solutions. The responsibility includes research to understand local regulations, our internal and external movement, and suppliers’ knowledge to provide the best solution. It also includes cross-functional collaboration to engage associates by providing technical stories to strengthen internal and external communications.
• Identify opportunities and implement a packaging cost optimization program.
• Ensure consumer-relevant KQAs are delivered through the DfVS framework.
• Ensure all packaging design and specs meet and comply with our framework. Global Product and Packaging Quality standards and systems.
• Manage package-related system implementation and ongoing maintenance.
• Continue to learn the latest packaging technology by running competitors’ analysis and learning from external industries and suppliers.
• Connect with Asia Regional packaging community and GIC to exchange learning.

Drive a Productive Way of Working

• Seek, propose, improve, and innovate more effective and efficient ways of working in own area of responsibility in terms of when, where, and how to work.
• Identify opportunities and propose new and/or continuous improvement ideas where the team and the cross-functional team (e.g., project team) could work more effectively and efficiently together.
• Lead and drive changes by acting, practicing, and being the catalyst.
• Articulate and escalate challenges and/or issues that require support from upper managers.
• Effectively understand each other genuinely. Actively listen to stakeholders and check for understanding. Deliver messages concisely by adjusting style and content to meet various needs of stakeholders.
• When any gaps are identified, demonstrate a proactive mindset and volunteer to tackle and solve them even beyond own responsibilities.
• Broaden perspective, collaborate, and influence within cross-functional teams and within the function by utilizing own expertise.

Drive Team Engagement and Talent Development

• Support the Line Manager in co-leading/facilitating key team engagement activities.
• Support the Line Manager in developing team members through activities such as peer assistance, coaching, and teaching.
• Support assignments in other R&D areas per business needs.

Context and Scope

• The job holder is responsible for leading Package Development (Innovations, sustainability, value leadership) at Japan Co-packer/Co-man. The scope is to cover both our business areas.
• The job holder needs to work closely with company internal associates in Japan Demand functions (i.e., Mktg, Sales, and DC), R&D, Commercial, SCM, EMQA, and external partners in Co-packer/Co-mans and suppliers.
• The job holder should stay connected with the Asia Regional packaging community and GIC to exchange information and support each other.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Engineering. Master/Doctor’s degree is preferred.
• More than 5 years’ experience in Packaging development either at food and/or FMCG manufacturers or packaging suppliers. Experience in the food category is preferred.
• Strong technical competency in various materials (especially product direct packing materials) and formats of packaging for food and/or FMCG products, e.g., flexible package, retortable pouch, display carton and corrugated shipper.
• Basic knowledge of processed food manufacturing, especially packing process and packing system/machine.
• Experience in innovation project management process and good understanding of quality management.
• Experience translating consumer/customer insights into package specifications.
• Experience developing mock-ups by himself/herself to practice a design thinking approach.
• Conduct data analysis (i.e., validation data, etc.) himself/herself.
• Business communication in English and fluency in Japanese.
• Proactively build a network with internal and external partners.
• Must have strong communication and presentation skills in English and Japanese.
• Highly proactive, self-driven, and self-aware.
• Good Teamwork, project management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Positive thinking. Willing to accept and deal with challenges and can work under pressure.

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills

• Packaging materials, converting processes, packing processes, and machinery.
• Industry research, including patent analysis.
• Understanding package-related regulations.
• Packaging testing methods.
• Risk assessment and management skills.
• Project Management, Communication and Presentation skills

※ 勤務形態：リモートワーク、フレックスタイム制度有り