Packaging Technologist - Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) Europe (temporary position- 12 months)

UNILEVER IN THE NETHERLANDS IS LOOKING FOR A PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIST

(Temporary position: 12 months)

LOCATION Wageningen, The Netherlands – local conditions apply

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will first consider candidates based in the Netherlands. If you are based outside of the Netherlands and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but we can only take your application on if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the Netherlands. 

Unilever is a global Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company committed to enriching and improving people’s lives. Packaging plays a critical role in our product mix, serving not only functional needs but also as the first touchpoint with the consumer. We are currently seeking an exceptional individual to join our R&D team as an Packaging Technologist for Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) Europe.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in our UFS European program by spearheading the simplification framework, which may involve the creation or modification of packaging solutions for an expansive product range with a strong focus on sustainability, cost savings, and innovative designs. In this dynamic position, you will collaborate with cross-functional project teams, forging close partnerships with various departments including Research and Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, external institutes, packaging converters, mold manufacturers, and packaging machine experts to achieve our objectives.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?

• Lead and actively drive projects to simplify the UFS European packaging portfolio, in line with the guidance of the Packaging Manager, streamlining primary and secondary packaging for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Perform in-depth technical assessments of current and potential packaging systems, providing valuable feedback to project teams regarding design modifications.

• Develop and execute strategies for significant cost reduction within the packaging category, ensuring tangible financial benefits and operational efficiencies result from simplification efforts.

• Collaborate closely with suppliers to create technical briefs that support complexity reduction efforts.

• Create concise project plans that prioritize simplicity and efficiency.

• Evaluate project requirements and ensure seamless implementation.

• Streamline packaging while upholding compliance with regulations.

• Participate actively in projects, emphasizing complexity reduction.

• Systematically test and recommend adjustments for packaging components.

• Maintain a flexible, long-term work plan focused on complexity reduction.

• Interpret work plans and offer recommendations for simplification.

• Prepare final reports for complexity reduction projects.

• Foster collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Adhere to Unilever's Code of Business Principles and relevant policies, promoting environmental awareness and risk management.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Science or Engineering Degree with a focus on Packaging and 1-3 years of relevant experience.

• Basic knowledge of Rigids, Flexibles, laminates, and Paper/paperboard packaging.

• Understanding of Packaging components and sustainable packaging solutions.

• Ability to execute tasks independently.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Project management experience

• Presenting solutions to stakeholders and gaining endorsement

• Analytical ability and excellent problem-solving skills.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience in project delivery in innovation, supply chain support, and savings.

• Understanding on Technical Packaging development or Materials Technology.

• Ideally, 1-3 years of packaging experience in an FMCG company.

• Experience in using measurement and testing equipment.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?

• An entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for high performance.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

• Knowledge of package testing for both rigid and flexible packaging.

• Enterprising behavior, goal orientation, and team commitment.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

• Home work allowance

• Company laptop and mobile phone

• Green Mobility Policy.   

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against. 

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

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