HUL Foods Packaging Design and Development Specialist, India

Job Title: HUL Foods Packaging Design and Development Specialist, India

Location: Unilever R&D Bangalore

ABOUT UNILEVER

Established over 100 years ago, we are one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. We are known for our great brands and our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. We believe that the winning businesses of tomorrow will be those which anticipate and respond to the huge changes shaping people’s lives across the world. We are more certain than ever that it is the right time to focus our sustainability efforts on the four key priorities where we are best placed to drive impact: climate, nature, plastics and livelihoods.

Business Context and Main Challenges of the Role:

Unilever recognizes Packaging as an important part of the product mix. Not only does it fulfil a very important functional role, to contain, protect and inform, but also as the first “touchpoint” with the consumer, it must engage the consumer, reflecting the brand proposition, and delivering a delightful experience.

HUL Foods Division, the focus is on delivering delightful and sustainable packaging solutions that align with the division's priorities and innovation plans. The division aims to enhance the quality and technical performance of packaging while addressing operational concerns and maintaining high recyclability scores. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to drive consumer-focused innovations and optimize packaging solutions for Packaged food Category

Person would be supporting projects under the Key Verticals of Foods Division i.e. Condiments, Cooking Aids and Mini Meals. This role is primarily to support and where relevant, lead, the design and development of structural packaging components for the category, based on consumer insights and market/business requirements. Where the job holder is leading the development of the packaging components, they will join multifunctional project teams as packaging workstream leaders to deliver the packaging activities. The job holder will plan and execute a comprehensive range of technical validation tests, to prove that the packaging is fit for purpose.

This position will interface with Brand Development, Supply Chain, Procurement, Product development, Processing, CTI, CMI, and Packaging Suppliers, to drive consumer focused innovative and optimised packaging solutions.

Main Accountabilities:

• Project Leadership: Assist the Packaging Manager with the coordination of packaging development projects and lead assigned projects as packaging TPL or workstream leader 

• Consumer & Customer  Focus: Manage assigned primary and secondary packaging projects with minimal guidance, ensuring packaging is fit for purposes to meet the packaging brief and delivered on time, in full

• Technical Analysis: Conduct technical analysis of new packaging designs and provide feedback to project teams regarding design viability. Identify solutions to resolve technical problems while minimizing changes to the design intent 

• Data Management: Maintain good technical data records, including project data, specifications, and test results 

• Validation and Qualification: Evaluate and qualify packaging components using established protocols and design new ones where appropriate

• Cost Savings: Identify and implement potential cost-saving activities across the category packaging portfolio 

• Supplier Collaboration: Prepare and develop supplier technical briefs and work closely with suppliers 

• Compliance: Comply with the Unilever Code of Business Principles and all SHE and QA policies, including support for product claims, risk management, and environmental awareness

Critical Success Factors of the Job:

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Having the right attitude is crucial as it drives accountability, responsibility, and a growth mindset, which are essential for success in any role

• Basic awareness to working knowledge expertise on a range of packaging materials. Working knowledge in flexible materials 

• Basic Appreciation of Rigids, Glass and Paper and Paper Board

• Collaboration and Networking

• Project management experience

• Hold on Technical Specification

• Educated in packaging technology or a related technical discipline. Preferably a PG D in packaging from IIP/SIES or equilant.

Relevant Experience:

• Minimum 3-4 years of packaging experience in company or Relevant Consultancy Firms.

Any other critical personal characteristics:

• Intermediate Level English (person must be able to write emails and reports in English which can be understood by colleagues and can sufficiently communicate at English-speaking business meetings).

• Occasional 1 to 5 nights travel

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.