Senior Packaging Technologist

at  Westland Milk Products

Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island with offices and production facilities based in both Christchurch and Hokitika. Now part of the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, in New Zealand Westland Milk has recently combined with its sister company Oceania Dairy (Glenavy) and subsidiary companies Pure Nutrition Ltd (Rolleston), Canary Foods (Hamilton) and EasiYo (Auckland) to create what we refer to as the Yili Oceania Business Division. The combined business produces over 170,000mt of finished goods which are then exported to over 40 countries, driving annual revenue well in excess of $1.3B - and growing.
Reporting to our GM Innovation and based in Christchurch (Hornby), we’re looking for a Senior Packaging Technologist to provide technical packaging expertise in support of our innovation and business-as-usual activities across the group. More specifically, the Senior Packaging Technologist will lead the design, development and execution of packaging solutions to achieve our market requirements, business objectives, cost reduction initiatives and sustainability goals.

This role will also:

• Support the sales and marketing teams in differentiating our products through packaging features and improvements, keeping abreast of state-of-the-art on packaging innovation and the international regulatory environment impacting food packaging materials.
• Have a deep understanding of packaging suppliers and be able to support the Procurement Team in developing and maintaining relationships with chosen vendors.

Applicants will ideally possess:

• A tertiary qualification in Packaging / Food Technology /Engineering /Science, or equivalent.
• Significant food packaging and food manufacturing experience in Dairy / Food / FMCG Industry
• A sound knowledge of food packaging materials and their manufacture, along with food pack construction and use.
• Knowledge of environmental and handling effects on packaging materials.
• Knowledge of food packaging contaminants and chemical migrants.
• Knowledge of food package printing/coating materials and processes.
• Understanding of food quality systems and international food regulations
• Understanding of sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Sound project management experience and strong influencing abilities
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Exceptional communication skills and an innovative and flexible approach to life and work

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-known group of companies, working in great role within a dedicated and passionate team who take pride in everything they do. In addition to salary and a company incentive scheme, we offer health & life insurances, free parking - delicious discounted grass-fed quality butter and other benefits, so come and join our truly innovative, Innovation team!!! Please see the accompanying position description (available on our Westland Careers page westlandcareers.co.nz) for further information.

• Support the sales and marketing teams in differentiating our products through packaging features and improvements, keeping abreast of state-of-the-art on packaging innovation and the international regulatory environment impacting food packaging materials.
• Have a deep understanding of packaging suppliers and be able to support the Procurement Team in developing and maintaining relationships with chosen vendors