Packaging Manager
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Before you apply
LocationNijmegen
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience10+ yrs
DepartmentR&D
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 16, 2026 · 2w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Minimum 10+ years of packaging development experience within a complex, matrix organisation
Demonstrated leadership of highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, or innovation programmes
Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple regions
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related technical discipline
Job Description
The Packaging Manager at a glance …
The Packaging Manager serves as the organisation’s packaging technology expert, leading highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, and strategic initiatives. The role drives packaging innovation, develops long-term technology pipelines, and connects internal teams with external technology ecosystems to identify and implement solutions that support growth, sustainability, quality, efficiency, and business performance.
Key Ingredients:
Strategic Packaging Leadership
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Independently lead highly complex packaging projects, platforms, and technical workstreams.
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Shape packaging technology strategy and contribute to long-term innovation roadmaps and 5 to 10-year packaging plans.
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Partner with senior R&D leadership to identify future technology opportunities and business growth enablers.
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Build and maintain a robust packaging innovation pipeline across business units and regions.
Technical Expertise
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Act as the recognized subject matter expert for packaging technologies, materials, processes, and emerging trends.
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Provide technical guidance, feasibility assessments, and scientific expertise to packaging development teams globally.
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Evaluate and recommend packaging technologies that improve product performance, quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
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Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with packaging solutions and implementation activities.
Innovation & External Partnerships
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Research and assess emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry developments.
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Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, research institutions, industry associations, and external technology partners.
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Evaluate new technologies for potential application within the Kraft Heinz portfolio.
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Provide recommendations related to intellectual property, implementation constraints, and technology partnerships.
Global Collaboration & Influence
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Collaborate with packaging developers, technology leads, procurement partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across global regions.
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Lead technical discussions in global forums and influence decisions through deep technical expertise and business acumen.
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Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, including senior leaders.
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Coach and mentor packaging professionals to strengthen organisational capability.
Business Performance
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Support delivery of innovation, productivity, sustainability, and value engineering objectives.
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Influence investment and technology decisions with significant business impact.
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Drive initiatives that enhance business growth, operational performance, quality outcomes, and cost efficiencies.
Key Stakeholders
Internal
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R&D Directors
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R&D Leadership Teams
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Packaging Developers and Engineers
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Product and Process Experts
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Global Technology Leads
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Global and Regional Procurement Teams
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Senior Leadership Forums and Governance Boards
External
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Packaging Suppliers
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Material and Technology Providers
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Research Institutions
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Industry Networks and Associations
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Innovation and Technology Partners
Decision-Making Authority
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Leads decisions regarding packaging technology selection, technical feasibility, and platform direction.
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Provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding technology adoption, strategic partnerships, intellectual property considerations, and implementation approaches.
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Operates with a high degree of independence while aligning decisions with company strategy and governance.
Financial Impact
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Influences packaging investments and technology decisions with an area of impact exceeding €800K.
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Contributes to financial performance through innovation, risk reduction, quality improvement, operational efficiency, and business growth initiatives.
Recipe for Success: Apply if this sounds like you!
Education
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.
Experience
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Minimum 10+ years of packaging development experience within a complex, matrix organisation.
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Demonstrated leadership of highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, or innovation programmes.
•
Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple regions.
Key Accountabilities
Technical & Strategic
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Expert knowledge of packaging technologies, materials, processes, and manufacturing systems.
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Technology scouting and pipeline development.
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Innovation strategy and long-term roadmap planning.
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Scientific and technical problem solving.
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Risk assessment and feasibility evaluation.
Leadership & Collaboration
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Strategic influencing and stakeholder management.
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Executive communication and presentation skills.
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Coaching and mentoring.
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Global collaboration and network building.
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Strong ownership, judgement, and decision-making capability.
Success Measures
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Delivery of strategic packaging innovation initiatives.
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Strength of packaging technology pipeline.
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Adoption of new packaging technologies and materials.
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Contribution to sustainability, quality, and productivity objectives.
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Stakeholder satisfaction and influence across global packaging networks.
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Development and coaching of packaging talent.
Location(s)
Nijmegen
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.