Packaging Development Consultant

1. Vendor & Supplier Management

• Regular follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of material pertaining to category
• Identify and develop alternate vendors/materials as per business need/ to mitigate supply risk.
• Place request for new vendor codes creation as per business requirement.

2. Material Master & BOM Management

• Create new material codes as required, in line with business/production needs.
• Create and update Bills of Material (BOM) whenever product or packaging changes occur.

3. Quality & Issue Resolution

• Manage Packaging Material rejections in close coordination with Production and Quality teams.
• Resolve quality- and finance-related issues arising post material receipt.

4. Reporting & Trackers

• Prepare and maintain various trackers related to the PM category (e.g., PO status, rejections, vendor performance, pricing) to support visibility and decision-making.

5. Systems & Process Improvement

• Support ERP/ any other transition-related work for the sourcing function, ensuring smooth migration of processes and data.

Packaging Development Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new packaging formats (flexible films, pouches, cartons, bottles, caps, closures, labels) for food and beverage products, from concept through commercial launch.
• Select and evaluate packaging materials for barrier properties (moisture, oxygen, light), compatibility with product formulation, and shelf-life requirements.
• Conduct and analyse shelf-life studies, transit/drop testing, compression testing, and other packaging validation trials in coordination with the quality and R&D teams.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to source new materials, negotiate specifications, and manage packaging trials and approvals.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, and Regulatory teams to align packaging development with product and business goals.
• Drive cost optimization and sustainability initiatives, including lightweighting, recyclable/mono-material packaging, and reduction of packaging waste.
• Prepare and maintain packaging specifications, artwork approval workflows, and technical documentation (BOMs, drawings, material data sheets).
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues on the production line, including machinability, sealing integrity, and line efficiency.
• Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.

Key Interfaces

• Production & Quality PM rejections and material issue resolution
• Vendors/Suppliers – Delivery follow-up, and vendor code creation
• Product Development (PD) – Trial alignment, new material codes, BOM updates, and PD activities

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail in material master data, BOM.
• Analytical ability to build and maintain trackers/MIS for the PM category
• Proactive follow-up and issue-resolution orientation
• 4–5 years of hands-on experience in packaging development, preferably within the cosmetics, or FMCG industry.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials: flexible films (PE, PP, BOPP, laminates), rigid plastics (PET, HDPE), glass, cartons, and metal packaging.
• Familiarity with packaging testing methods and standards (ASTM, ISTA, ISO) for shelf-life, transit, and barrier performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives (recyclability, mono-materials, reduced plastic usage).
• Exposure to export markets and international packaging/labelling compliance.
• Prior experience managing packaging vendors and supplier negotiations.