Technical Innovations Specialist (Packaging)

About the Function:

Supply Chain & Manufacturing is where our brands are made, moved and delivered to the world.

With over half of our people working across more than 100 sites, this is a complex, large-scale operation that brings together production, logistics, engineering and supplier partnerships.

It's fast-paced and hands-on, with teams working together to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainability at every stage. From sourcing ingredients to getting products into customers' hands, you'll play a role in delivering the brands people know and love.

Role Overview

The role is responsible for Supply Chain Liquid development and packaging (innovation and renovation) within Supply Chain/Production function in Diageo South Africa. This role is the link between marketing Innovation and Supply/Production functions and would lead in the piloting of new products in this regard. Collaborate and partner with the supply sources, 3rd party, co-packers and materials suppliers in driving the innovations agenda

• Delivery of "True to Concept" packaging and liquid solutions to agreed cost, quality and time commitments.
• Develop packs and liquid for innovation and brand change and translate a prototype concept into a fully commercialized package, working closely with suppliers.
• Application of required project planning, budgeting, tracking, reporting and stakeholder communications processes to demonstrate required rigour of project management.
• Application of necessary packaging development skills to ensure "Design for Quality" packaging designed which performs well at all stages in the Supply Chain

• Degree level qualification or equivalent.
• 5 years Technical innovations experience in the FMCG industry.
• Strong project management skills with sound knowledge of a wide range of raw materials packaging materials and processes including:
• Artwork specification and management
• Reprographics process
• Design and development of packaging, materials and liquids.
• Translate concept of both liquid and packaging into a fully commercialized product through developing product handling processes and managing technical trials at pilot and production scale, working closely with other teams involved in these trials.
• Ensure new products comply with the requirements of the Liquor Products Act and other legislative and internal regulations and standards.
• Keep up to date with new innovations and technology and be proactive in bringing potential opportunities to the attention of the business.
• Deliver all work to agree standard on time and within budget while at all times complying with Health and Safety requirements and Good Manufacturing Practice.
• Application of required project planning, budgeting, tracking, reporting and stakeholder communications processes to demonstrate required rigour of project management.
• Risk Management practices and techniques.
• Ability to develop sound understanding of GBTC and Brand Change processes and Ways of Working.
• Ability to develop sound understanding of Navigate and Accelerate 360 process.
• Excellent organization, report preparation, and presentation skills.

• Ability to operate independently on own initiative, including being unable to engage and impact on senior managers.
• Ability to fully engage with customer base to define and deliver projects successfully.
• Project management experience,
• Ability to work in cross functional teams and influence in that scale