Regional Packaging Manager

­Regional Packaging Manager

Company: AVI Limited – National Brands Limited (NBL)
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Posted: 03 February 2025
Closing Date: 28 February 2025

About National Brands Limited (NBL)

AVI Ltd. is a leader in South Africa’s FMCG industry, producing iconic household brands across beverages, snacks, frozen foods, personal care, and fashion. National Brands Limited (NBL) operates five world-class manufacturing facilities in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town, producing some of the country’s best-loved tea, coffee, biscuits, and snacks.

Job Overview

The Regional Packaging Manager at NBL Durban (Pinetown) will be responsible for packaging productivity, innovation, cost savings, and supplier management. The role involves overseeing packaging materials, machine efficiency, quality control, and sustainability initiatives.

Reporting to: National Packaging Manager
Direct Reports: 1

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Productivity & Engineering

• Monitor packaging efficiency across machine speeds, packing, and pallet specifications.
• Solve packaging-related issues using engineering techniques.
• Troubleshoot packaging defects and collaborate with teams to resolve issues.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure compliance with material specifications.

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

• Improve existing packaging components and design cost-effective packaging solutions.
• Conduct packaging cost analysis based on raw materials and production costs.
• Optimize material usage to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
• Research and implement alternative packaging solutions.

New Product Development (NPD) & Innovation

• Support NPD teams by ensuring all packaging meets design briefs.
• Develop market-leading packaging solutions with a focus on sustainability.
• Approve packaging specifications and labeling.
• Create mockups and test new packaging materials.

Group Packaging Synergy & Procurement Support

• Act as the main point of contact for commodity packaging across NBL.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging processes and materials across sites.
• Work with procurement teams to define packaging sourcing strategies.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop the Packaging Technologist and other technical team members.
• Ensure staff are trained in packaging development processes.
• Maintain documentation and in-house packaging systems.

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in packaging development.
• 5+ years in a senior packaging role.
• Experience with high-speed packaging machinery.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Science/Engineering or Advanced Diploma in Packaging (Essential).

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• SAP knowledge.
• Strong understanding of the South African packaging industry.
• Knowledge of QMS systems, HACCP, and packaging compliance.
• Expertise in plastics, corrugates, laminates, flexible films, and carton packaging.
• Understanding of blow moulding, injection moulding, lamination, printing processes, and colour technology.
• Pallet optimization and utilization using Cape Pack.
• Experience in carton erection, shrink wrapping, case packing, and date coding.
• Maintain Bills of Materials for packaging updates.

Why Join AVI Limited?

• Work with industry-leading brands in a dynamic FMCG environment.
• Lead exciting packaging innovation projects with a strong focus on sustainability.
• Grow your expertise in a fast-paced, high-performance setting.

Ready to drive packaging innovation? Apply now before 28 February 2025!

apply here