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

Full-time

The applicant must have the right to work in the Netherlands.

Salary: 44K – 68 K depending on experience and background

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. 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE JOB

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 flexi