Packaging Sustainability Innovation Technologist

at  Ornua Cooperative Limited

Packaging Sustainability & Innovation Specialist
Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world for 60 years.
Are you an experienced Packaging Specialist looking for a new challenge with one of Ireland’s most successful food companies?
Are you looking for the opportunity to use your expertise and experience to drive the ideation, design, testing and trial phases of innovation projects.
If you have a strong background in packaging design and innovative solutions, a passion for sustainable practices, creative problem solving, and thrive through collaboration, Ornua is actively seeking a Packaging Sustainability and Innovation Specialist to join our R&D Innovation team. This is a newly created role with high visibility within the organisation and offers the opportunity for global travel.
Why Ornua?
Our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business as a purpose and values-led organisation, creating value for Irish dairy farming families.
Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Dynamic Working policy in place which facilitates flexible hours and hybrid working.
Career Progression including Global Mobility opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits with regional specific offerings.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE:

As an out of the box thinker, you will generate creative and sustainable and innovative packaging concepts aligned with brand strategy, consumer needs and market trends. You will use your excellent communication skills and collaboration abilities to work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative packaging solutions into new product development processes.
You will stay up-to-date on industry regulations and standards, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety and quality requirements. You will research and evaluate new packaging materials and technologies to enhance functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
You will develop prototypes for new packaging designs and coordinate testing to ensure functionality, durability and consumer appeal, while looking to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and efficiency enhancements in the packaging innovation pipeline.
You will drive sustainability and NPD initiatives by incorporating eco-friendly materials and design principles, aiming for reduced environmental impact throughout the packaging lifecycle.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE:

10 years’ packaging experience
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Packaging Design / Engineering or a related field.
Proven experience in front end innovation, packaging design & engineering, along with leading ideation and facilitating workshops, opening up opportunities for our markets and customers.
Knowledge of sustainable packaging practices and materials.
Proven R &D project delivery from concept through to launch.
Technical competency across fiber-based packaging / rigid plastic and flexible films.
Experience with developing new materials and formats with external partners.
Ornua has ambitious growth plans and we’re building a team to help enable and accelerate that growth. We are looking for people who share our values, are curious, forward-looking, take ownership and work together to build a future for themselves and Ornua.
How do you want to make your impact?
To learn more, please visit Ornua at www.ornua.co