Senior R&D Packaging Specialist

Position Summary

The Nestlé System Technology Centre (NSTC) in Orbe is Nestlé’s leading R&D center for the design, development and deployment of Nestlé delivery systems, offering expertise in machines, packaging and products for in-home and out-of-home.

Our vision is to be the world’s leading center for breakthrough System innovation that actively cultivates its unique mix of people and expertise.

We create innovative and sustainable food & beverages systems, in partnership with businesses, to amaze our consumers. Our NSTC core values - Excellence, Determination, One-team spirit, and Trust drive us every day in everything we do.

As a Senior R&D Specialist Packaging , you will manage the innovation, development and renovation of packaging for the Nescafé Dolce Gusto system as well as for our new Nescafé Dolce Gusto NEO system, from concept to launch in full alignment with our portfolio.

You will drive complex sustainable packaging projects with high business impact in terms of innovation, sustainability, quality improvement and cost reduction.

You will be responsible to ensure that projects are delivered in good quality, budget and timing while meeting the business expectations.

Join our team and be part of shaping the future of packaging solutions for one of the world's leading beverage systems.

A Day in the Life of a Senior R&D Specialist Packaging

• Lead complex packaging projects, from early-stage concept development to industrialization at factory level
• Provide expert packaging input during industrialization phase to ensure a smooth launch, as well as post-launch support to the factories with focus on product quality, line performance, cost efficiency
• Do design of experiment and organize trials in the laboratory, at bench scale, at pilot plant, at Nescafé Dolce Gusto factories and at the suppliers
• Master problem solving methodologies and provide appropriate solutions to technical challenges
• Drive the project brief and requirements for new packaging materials in terms of technical performance, compliance, product protection, shelf-life, storage, transport, etc.

and establish the validation protocol in collaboration with Quality Assurance

• Create and maintain fit-for-purpose packaging specifications
• Manage stakeholders throughout the project and ensure alignments cross-functionally (R&D, marketing, technical, operations, finance, etc.)
• Lead collaborations with suppliers

What will make you successful

• Degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Engineering, Chemistry or equivalent with experience in packaging
• 7-10 years of experience in relevant packaging projects in R&D & factory in the food & beverage industry, experience at packaging converter is a plus
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials including knowledge in flexible packaging, knowledge in paper-based flexibles is a plus
• Strong knowledge in packaging conversion and printing processes
• Knowledge in sustainable materials and corresponding end-of-life
• Knowledge in packaging food safety compliance
• Strong project management skills & methodology
• Strong in stakeholder management in challenging environments
• Experience in leading co-developments with packaging material supplier & auditing activities
• Ability to work in team, openness and flexibility
• Ability to challenge the status quo and drive the project into completion within the constraints
• Ability to navigate complex environments and manage uncertainty
• Excellent communication skills in English, French is a plus

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