Are you a Packaging Specialist, looking to develop and implement consumer-centric packaging innovations that drive circular economy? Do you want to emphasize consumer and customer-winning packaging, creating high quality packaging, in conjunction to functionality, cost optimization & sustainability? Do you get excited supporting the packaging transformation into the next frontier of technologies and experiences that will be critical to engaging our consumers?

Then join us as a Senior Packaging Manager, a multi-facing, cross-functional role based at our state-of-the-art R&I facility in Utrecht, the Netherlands.  

About the Job

As a Senior Packaging Manager you will be part of establishing a leading innovation practice, and, fostering collaborative internal and external partnerships. The synthesis of these elements will enable the global packaging team to identify, imagine, create, validate, and transition disruptive packaging solutions.  

You will be working with multiple stakeholders both internally and externally, with a particular focus on development and implementation of plastic packaging for liquids for specialized and medical nutritional purposes.

Your mission

• Support the organization in new plastic packaging for liquids projects from definition to line implementation through leadership, stakeholder management, change impact assessment and effective communication.
• Co-develop the future generation liquid pack formats and its deployment, while translating business challenges and strategy into project and actions.
• Work in close collaboration with other teams to deliver on Danone’s decarbonization commitments, as well as assure effective delivery on other project KPI’s.
• Influence the development programs of our strategic suppliers towards the required technology developments, as well as act as technical adviser, giving support to project teams to solve technical issues and coaching of junior project / team members.
• Leverage design thinking principles to help quickly identify and validate solutions via rapid prototyping and qualitative testing.
• Build a global network of external partners to leverage knowhow and existing assets within Danone into the defined packaging area.

We are looking for an experienced packaging engineer with:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, Technology or similar discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in plastic packaging development working for execution of medium - long term innovation pipelines, preferably in plastics manufacturing technologies for liquid packaging.
• A high degree of technical knowledge balanced with creative ability: Ability to apply a holistic packaging design principle, experienced in packaging Value Engineering and demonstrated leadership in NPD projects.
• Good problem solving skills, determined to achieve the end result with high quality standards in the packaging development process, while being an outstanding Team player.
• Familiarity with legislation on plastic packaging and environmental/packaging sustainability.
• Experienced in technical development of alternative packaging types and materials for plastic based packaging components.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. The role requires ability to convince and engage at a senior level. Ideally, you have experience working in a cross-functional and highly international environment. 

Working here you’ll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities. You’ll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as Evian, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU. 

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment* fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all. 

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability? 

We Offer 

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products. 

What's next?

It’s simple – hit the “apply” button before the application deadline of July the 28th at 17:00 PM, 2025. In order to comply with GDPR we can’t process your personal data without your given consent, so please apply directly via this website. Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you.

Need more information? Please contact me, Elliot Obreen l Talent Scout via elliot.obreen@danone.com.

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