R&D Packaging Scientist I

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

OVERVIEW

Based in Mumbai, India, you will join ITQ function as an R&D Packaging Scientist I supporting packaging development for innovation, renovation, sustainability and margin management across Bakeries, Atta and Food service business in Global Emerging Markets (GEMs).

In this individual-contributor role, you will turn consumer, product and business needs into practical packaging solutions by partnering with R&D, Marketing, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Plants, Suppliers and External partners. You will deliver assigned tasks and projects from concept through implementation while improving ways of working and making thoughtful use of approved artificial intelligence and digital tools to enhance analysis, creativity and quality.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Deliver assigned packaging development, renovation, sustainability and margin-management tasks and projects from concept through implementation, meeting agreed scope, quality and timing expectations.
• Develop and evaluate packaging materials, structures and components that balance product protection, consumer experience, manufacturability, cost and sustainability, while ensuring packaging meets all relevant regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Plan and execute laboratory testing, prototypes and plant or industrial trials; analyze results, document conclusions and recommend clear next steps.
• Create and maintain accurate packaging specifications and supporting master data, including bills of materials, KLDs, finished-goods specifications, barcodes, PM codes, trial dockets, trial reports and change controls.
• Proactively identify and address technical issues, risks and gaps involving product, packaging, equipment, quality, supply, regulatory compliance and project timing; escalate concerns early and communicate progress, risks and changes clearly and consistently.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners and suppliers on samples, costing, documentation, alternate-vendor development and commercialization; support sustainability initiatives and extended producer responsibility activities on a timely basis.
• Adapt readily to new processes, packaging technologies and ways of working; stay current on relevant technical, regulatory and competitive developments and apply learning to assigned work.
• Manage workload responsibly, prioritize competing tasks.
• Regularly use approved artificial intelligence and digital tools when they add value to analysis, ideation, documentation or quality-using sound judgment about when they do not add value and validating outputs before use.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (BE, B-Tech) in packaging science or packaging engineering or printing & packaging or equivalent.
• Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience in packaging development, packaging engineering, product development or manufacturing, preferably in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
• Technical skills: Working knowledge of packaging materials, with experience in flexible laminates, packaging testing, packaging equipment and product-packaging-equipment interactions; able to interpret data and maintain technical specifications and related documentation.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong written and verbal English communication, stakeholder partnership and documentation skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly and consistently.
• Individual-contributor capabilities: Demonstrated ownership, problem-solving, sound judgment, adaptability, workload prioritization and timely follow-through; able to identify and address issues proactively and work safely in laboratory and plant environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree(PG diploma, M-tech, ME/MS) in packaging science or packaging engineering or printing & packaging or equivalent.
• Experience in flexible laminates, testing methods and packaging machines;
• Experience with dry mixes, flour or similar food portfolios.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet minimum age qualifications in the country in which the job is located.