R&D Principal Packaging Specialist (gn)
Funktion: R & D Standort:
Darmstadt, HE, DE
Arbeitsplatz-Regelung: Hybrid
Position Title: R&D Principal Packaging Specialist
Location: Darmstadt, Germany
Reports to: Sr Manager, Packaging Development Color & Capability
Direct Reports: N/A
Scope / Brands: Full Wella Portfolio
ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY
Together, WEenable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves.
Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.
THE ROLE
The R&D Packaging Development team is seeking a Principal Packaging Specialist to lead projects across our brands for our packaging innovation pipeline. The role is part of the Global R&D Team. The primary focus is to combine deep technical expertise with AI based approaches to own and deliver Packaging Innovation Projects, Business Continuity projects and Supply Chain Packaging projects across a range of packaging materials and structures but with a strong focus on plastics. The role will be part of the Packaging Capability team adding value to the entire packaging organization. We are looking for a technical expert that combines deep knowledge and experience in plastics (packaging production technologies including mold building and qualification process) with a future proof AI based attitude to bring our packaging portfolio to the next level.
The R&D Packaging Development team works in cross-functional collaboration towards the innovation and development of highly differentiated packaging concepts and technology platforms by linking consumer insights and emerging technologies to satisfy our business objectives. In this full-time position based in Darmstadt, Germany, you report to the Senior Manager R&D Packaging Development, located in Darmstadt, Germany.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lead Packaging Projects: Own and deliver Packaging Innovation projects, Business continuity projects and Supply Chain packaging projects as well as Packaging Quality related investigations across brands.
2. Act as the plastic packaging expert: Drive end-to-end development for plastic packaging components (especially Blow molding and injection molding) both for all initiatives across brand as well as for BCP and SC projects. This includes the entire end to end development process including 3D design, prototyping, Mold building and approval process, series production, testing and specifications. Owning the supplier landscaping to enable technical fit for use and future proof supplier allocation. Scout and implement upstream innovation ideas and technologies to drive projects and brand growth.
3. Bring AI to packaging: Implement an AI first mentality to improve our packaging development and qualification processes: Define the “how” and implement and execute AI based tools to add value to the entire packaging portfolio.
4. Innovate & Collaborate: Support end-to-end development of key packaging projects and functional specifications to deliver against business objectives and partner across functions in order to overcome barriers and bring the brand vision identity to life.
5. Own Testing & Validation: Collaborate and own line trials, compatibility tests, packaging tests and quality protocols to ensure flawless execution.
6. Optimize for Scale & Cost: Understand and integrate the requirements of possible supply chain solutions in the packaging design & value engineering process. Identify possible suppliers and cost drivers, consider menu options to optimize cost, scale and simplification delivering speed to market, delight and best value. Support the ideation and feasibility evaluation of packaging value engineering ideas on existing brands.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
7. 5+ years of experience in packaging development within Beauty, FMCG, or related industries
8. Experience working at a packaging supplier (plastics development, mold building, or innovation) is highly valued
9. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or comparable field
Technical Expertise
10. Strong expertise in plastic packaging materials and molding technologies
11. Hands-on experience with: Blow molding and injection molding Mold design and qualification CAD (2D/3D), prototyping, and simulations
12. Experience working with third-party manufacturers and global suppliers
13. Demonstrated ability to leverage AI and digital tools to improve development processes
14. Strong data-driven approach to packaging development and testing
Industry Knowledge
15. Experience with primary packaging components, including plastics, aluminum tubes, flexibles, and folding cartons
16. Knowledge of supplier management and external innovation scouting
Innovation Mindset
17. Proven success delivering consumer-centric packaging innovations
18. Experience identifying emerging technologies and future packaging solutions
19. Exposure to sustainability and eCommerce packaging is a plus
Communication & Collaboration
20. Strong ability to communicate complex technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
21. Skilled at project communication, technical documentation, and presenting recommendations
22. Ability to influence decisions and build strong internal and external partnerships
Languages & Travel
23. Fluent English required
24. Additional languages are a plus
25. Willingness to travel up to 30% internationally
26. Valid driver’s license for Germany
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT WELLA
27. A diverse and dynamic team; passionate about Care and Styling
28. Attractive salary package with a wide range of benefits
29. Free company parking as well as central location and good public transport connections
30. Promotion of personal potential and individual career paths
31. Support during the induction period and the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage
32. A collegial working atmosphere at an employer with an appreciative corporate culture
33. Open communication and an international as well as diverse environment in which the "WE" is in the foreground!
Become a part of the "WELLA- family" - we live our values! #wellafamily #WellaCareers