UNILEVER IN THE NETHERLANDS IS LOOKING FOR A PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIST WITH AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER BACKGROUND

Candidates that have just graduated from University are also invited to apply.

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 recognises Packaging as an important part of the product mix. Not only does it fulfil a very important functional role, to contain, protect and inform, but also as the first “touchpoint” with the consumer, it must engage the consumer, reflecting the brand proposition, and delivering a delightful experience.

To ensure the robustness and technical performance of new sustainable packaging before it is placed on the marketplace involves both design and technical innovation in packaging.

The Packaging Technologist is carrying out projects about packaging design & technologies on basis of problem definition by consumer insights and market/business requirements.

The job holder modifies or designs & develops new packaging for a product range in the areas of innovations, sustainable packaging and savings.

Where relevant, she/he also will join multifunctional project teams, collaborative troubleshooting of packaging processes or supporting factories in the implementation of packaging technologies.

The job holder will work closely with other R&D functions, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, design agencies, packaging converters, mould makers, and packaging machine manufacturers.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?

Assignment on roughly defined medium complex projects to support the Global Packaging Manager by technical design, developing or modifying primary packaging, ensuring packaging is “fit for purpose” compatible with SC, Formulation, Unilever Policy, Consumer and Brand needs and legislation, by:

Collaborating with designers, marketing, suppliers, and consumers to ensure that packaging specifications are viable

Transfer creative design of rigid plastic packaging into technical solutions and make prototypes for testing

Technical analysis of new packaging systems and provision of feedback to project teams with respect to design viability. Also identify possible solutions to resolve technical problems, minimizing changes to the design intent.

Prepare and develop design agency’s & supplier’s technical briefs where required, working closely with external partners.

Drawing up of project or research plan, explaining choices made and setting priorities. The project plan can include prototyping, laboratory, tests (at Unilever, at our convertors, and at 3rd party labs), factory trials, and distribution trials.

Assessing the assignment and determining what information and resources are necessary and making proposals or recommendations to the project team and external after consolidation.

Checking relevant packaging regulations and giving overview of findings.

Taking part in or carrying out projects, carrying out experiments (or causing them to be carried out) in accordance with the “One Unilever Packaging Process” (1UPP) and identifying unusual aspects during the execution of the working programme/project and implementing changes.

Testing packaging and making recommendations for adjustments.

Planning work for the long term, adapting the work quickly, flexible, and efficiently in the event of unexpected circumstances.

Interpreting own work plan and that of others and drawing conclusions. Making recommendations for own follow-up work plan and that of others.

Presenting and explaining results to stake holders, also outside of team after consultation.

Drawing up final reports on projects, complete the content of technical action standards for packaging components and cooperating in drawing up technical specifications.

Maintaining contacts and consulting with unit members of other units R&D, Marketing, factory and Supply Chain and external packaging convertors and material suppliers in the development of packaging components for own projects.

To comply with all SHE and QA policies, including the support of product claims, risk management and environmental awareness.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Educated in packaging design & technology or a related technical discipline, preferably Industrial Designer.

Project management experience

Basic awareness of the key materials in Foods categories (rigid plastics, plastic/paper flexibles and cups).

Clear communication (speaking and written)

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Practical experience with CAD software as Solid works, Inventor is mandatory.

Experience in making proof of principle prototype.

1-3 years in an FMCG company, ideally with some packaging experience however candidates that have just graduated from University are also invited to apply.

Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams in the development of high impact innovative solutions.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.

Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

Home work allowance if applicable

Company laptop and mobile phone

Green Mobility Policy.   

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against. 

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.