R&D Packaging Specialist

Roles & Responsibilities:Develop and improve packaging materials for finished food products, with the Design team to finalize packaging artwork, and labeling based on final product specs.Design packaging that ensures product protection, shelf-life stability, and compliance with food safety standards.Lead packaging innovation projects to improve functionality, reduce cost, and support sustainability initiatives.Collaborate with Marketing and Design to align packaging with brand guidelines and consumer preferences.Ensure all visual elements (branding, claims, nutritional info, expiry date placement, etc.) comply with local regulations and brand guidelines.Validate all recipes, ingredients, and portion sizes after R&D trials to ensure they match the approved product concept.Ensure all nutritional, allergen, and ingredient details are accurately captured for labeling and documentation.Review packaging prototypes and approve final samples before mass production. Process & Quality IntegrationWork closely with the Quality team to ensure packaging materials meet food safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards.Support Manufacturing in resolving packaging-related technical issues and driving continuous improvement.Define packaging specifications, testing protocols, and validation criteria for new developments.Cross-Functional CoordinationServe as the main liaison between Design, R&D, Production, and Procurement during the finalization phase.Support pilots run and provide feedback on recipe performance, packaging fit, and visual presentation.Prepare technical documentation, drawings, and packaging standards for all SKUs.Support procurement with finalized specifications for packaging materials and ingredients.Documentation & HandoverPrepare the Final Product File, including recipe, process flow, packaging details, nutritional info, and approved artwork.Maintain version control for all product iterations and ensure traceability.Support the handover to Operations and Marketing for product launch readiness.Required Education, Knowledge, and Skills+5 years of experience in food product development, packaging finalization, or design-to-manufacture coordinationStrong understanding of food production processes, recipe standardization, and packaging materials.Familiarity with artwork approval, nutritional labeling, and regulatory requirements.Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic design review tools (e.g., Illustrator, PDF markups).Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills