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Group R&D Manager: Packaging, Materials & Technology Capability

Bryanston, ZA💼 Full-time🗓 2026-09-29

Core

Lead R&D governance and strategy for packaging materials and technology, ensuring innovations move from concept to commercialization while building technical capability across manufacturing levels.

Role type

Senior R&D Manager (Packaging Materials & Technology)

Builds

Innovative packaging solutions (plastics, metals, board) and scalable manufacturing processes for FMCG products.

Domain

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) / Packaging Engineering

Required skills

packaging material science, structural integrity analysis, new product development (NPD), process scale-up validation, regulatory compliance (food safety, waste, labeling), value engineering, lean manufacturing, team leadership, supplier/OEM partnership management, sustainability (recyclability, lightweighting)

Preferred skills

FMCG industry experience, packaging optimization, extensive manufacturing facility experience with diverse technologies

Technologies

PLM systems, BOM management tools, packaging testing equipment (stack n travel, containment, shelf-life analysis)

Responsibilities

Develop packaging material strategies and standards; oversee concept-to-launch innovation frameworks; conduct packaging performance testing and validation; lead multidisciplinary teams; drive value engineering and operational efficiencies; ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability inputs; govern line trials and commercial ramp-up.

Seniority

Senior, hands-on IC with leadership responsibilities

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