10 Product Packaging jobs in South Africa

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To design, conceptualize, and develop product and packaging solutions that are cost-effective, visually appealing, and functional. These solutions are responsible for protecting products, communicating brand identity, attracting consumers, and complying with sustainability and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Improvement in Recyclability Rates
• Packaging Solutions Implemented
• Collaboration & Compliance with Internal and External Stakeholders
• Project Management
• Sales Uplift
• Cost Savings
• Administration and Ad Hoc

JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or Diploma in Graphic Design/ Product Design/ Industrial Design or related fields
• 3- 5 years in similar role
• At Least 3 years experience in Retail

Hard Skills (Technical)

• Design Software Proficiency: Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite, particularly
  Illustrator
  ,
  InDesign
  , and
  Photoshop.

Packaging Materials & Production Processes:

• Deep understanding of various materials: Paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastics (various types), flexible packaging, sustainable/biodegradable alternatives etc.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques: Die-cutting, printing processes (offset, flexo, digital) etc.
• Understanding of finishes: Varnishes, laminates, embossing, debossing, foil stamping.

Cost-effectiveness in Design
: The ability to design with production efficiency and material optimization in mind is essential.

Graphic Design & Branding Principles:

• Typography: Effective use of fonts for readability and brand voice.
• Colour Theory: Understanding print colour matching (Pantone), and colour separation.
• Layout and Composition: Creating visually balanced and impactful designs.
• Branding: Ability to interpret brand guidelines and translate them into cohesive packaging designs that reinforce brand identity and values.
• Information Hierarchy: Organizing text and visuals to effectively communicate product information, benefits, and legal requirements.
• High Standard of Design

Sustainability & Environmental Considerations:

• Knowledge of eco-friendly materials, design for recyclability/compostability, reduction of material usage, and circular economy principles.
• Awareness of environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable packaging.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Understanding of labelling laws, regulations, consumer safety standards, and specific legal requirements (e.g. SA standards).

Market & Consumer Research:

• The ability to conduct and interpret market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions is a key skill.

Soft Skills (Competencies)

• Interpersonal Strengths
  : This role requires
  strong stakeholder and supplier management
  skills. The candidate must be a
  team player
  who thrives on
  collaboration and open feedback
  . They should be able to build and nurture internal and external relationships to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Personal & Conceptual Strengths
  : The designer must be
  highly conceptual and creative
  . They should be ambitious, proactive, and eager to take ownership of projects. The candidate must have exceptional
• attention to detail
  with a flair for
  visual storytelling
  . They should also be comfortable working in a
• fast-paced, highly creative environment
  .
• General Skills
  : The candidate must be fluent in
  English
  .

• Other skills include
  strong negotiation skills
  and the ability to persuade and influence others to achieve organizational goals. They must be able to plan and align initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.

• Competencies required:
  Accuracy, Devotion to quality, Results-oriented, Creating support, Drive, Initiative, Stress Resistance, Innovating, Situational awareness

PURPOSE OF THE JOB 

To design, conceptualize, and develop product and packaging solutions that are cost-effective, visually appealing, and functional. These solutions are responsible for protecting products, communicating brand identity, attracting consumers, and complying with sustainability and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• 
  

  Improvement in Recyclability Rates

  
  


• 
  

  Packaging Solutions Implemented

  
  


• 
  

  Collaboration & Compliance with Internal and External Stakeholders

  
  


• 
  

  Project Management

  
  


• 
  

  Sales Uplift

  
  


• 
  

  Cost Savings

  
  


• 
  

  Administration and Ad Hoc

  
  

JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS  

• 
  

  Degree or Diploma in Graphic Design/ Product Design/ Industrial Design or related fields

  
  


• 
  

  3- 5 years in similar role

  
  


• 
  

  At Least 3 years experience in Retail

  
  

Hard Skills (Technical)

• 
  

   Design Software Proficiency: Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

  
  

Packaging Materials & Production Processes:

• 
  

  Deep understanding of various materials: Paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastics (various types), flexible packaging, sustainable/biodegradable alternatives etc.

  
  


• 
  

  Knowledge of manufacturing techniques: Die-cutting, printing processes (offset, flexo, digital) etc.

  
  


• 
  

  Understanding of finishes: Varnishes, laminates, embossing, debossing, foil stamping.

  
  

Cost-effectiveness in Design: The ability to design with production efficiency and material optimization in mind is essential.

Graphic Design & Branding Principles:

• 
  

  Typography: Effective use of fonts for readability and brand voice.

  
  


• 
  

  Colour Theory: Understanding print colour matching (Pantone), and colour separation.

  
  


• 
  

  Layout and Composition: Creating visually balanced and impactful designs.

  
  


• 
  

  Branding: Ability to interpret brand guidelines and translate them into cohesive packaging designs that reinforce brand identity and values.

  
  


• 
  

  Information Hierarchy: Organizing text and visuals to effectively communicate product information, benefits, and legal requirements.

  
  


• 
  

  High Standard of Design

  
  

Sustainability & Environmental Considerations:

• 
  

  Knowledge of eco-friendly materials, design for recyclability/compostability, reduction of material usage, and circular economy principles.

  
  


• 
  

  Awareness of environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable packaging.

  
  

Regulatory Compliance:

• 
  

  Understanding of labelling laws, regulations, consumer safety standards, and specific legal requirements (e.g. SA standards).

  
  

Market & Consumer Research:

• 
  

  The ability to conduct and interpret market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions is a key skill.

  
  

Soft Skills (Competencies)

• 
  

  Interpersonal Strengths: This role requires strong stakeholder and supplier management skills. The candidate must be a team player who thrives on collaboration and open feedback. They should be able to build and nurture internal and external relationships to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

  
  


• 
  

  Personal & Conceptual Strengths: The designer must be highly conceptual and creative. They should be ambitious, proactive, and eager to take ownership of projects. The candidate must have exceptional
   attention to detail with a flair for visual storytelling. They should also be comfortable working in a
   fast-paced, highly creative environment.

  
  


• 
  

  General Skills: The candidate must be fluent in English. 

  
  


• 
  

  Other skills include strong negotiation skills and the ability to persuade and influence others to achieve organizational goals. They must be able to plan and align initiatives with organizational goals and objectives. 

  
  

• 
  

  Competencies required: Accuracy, Devotion to quality, Results-oriented, Creating support, Drive, Initiative, Stress Resistance, Innovating, Situational awareness

  
  

Position Title:
Packaging Development Engineer

Location:
Cape Town, South Africa.

Category :
Food & Beverages

Job Type :
Onsite or Hybrid (1 year and possibility of extension)

Job Description:

Manage and execute packaging innovation and productivity projects Support the packaging development manager for projects and related development. Manage Innovation Project from concept through commercialization and retail shelves. Work with internal customers to commercialize packaging designs and concepts.

Represent packaging in cross functional team meetings to develop and implement new packaging and packaging changes to realize cost savings

Conduct line trials

Conduct lab testing

Develop packaging specifications

Project related travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers

Candidate Requirements

• Diploma/Graduate in Packaging or related field.

• 5-+ years minimum experience in Packaging R&D for CPG, Food & Beverage or related industries

• Good communication skills both oral and written

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number # Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

The Packaging Development Manager is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of new and improved packaging solutions to support Colgate-Palmolive's strategic business goals. This role operates in a dynamic and evolving regulatory landscape, requiring a proactive approach to sustainable packaging challenges and leveraging opportunities for innovation. The individual will autonomously resolve complex packaging challenges, making critical decisions on design, material selection, and project execution.

This position supports the following locations:

• CP Canelands Plant, South Africa
• CP Boksburg Plant, South Africa
• CP Orbit Contract Manufacturer, Kenya
• CP Douala Plant, Cameroon
• CP Plastiserd Contract Manufacturer, Tahiti
• CP Vega Contract Manufacturer, New Caledonia

Project & Product Commercialization

• Manages a team or individual of packaging technicians/engineers.
• Leads the entire lifecycle of regional and local packaging projects, from conceptualization and initiation to commercialization.
• Directs the design of packaging systems and components to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, consumer acceptance, manufacturing, and quality requirements.
• Manages all stages of development, including design generation, prototype development, engineering specifications, mold and machinery qualification, functionality and quality testing, and technology transfer.
• Utilizes a systematic project management approach to deliver projects on time and within budget, while tracking and communicating progress, timelines, and risks.
• Ensures the feasibility and robustness of all packaging, product, and process designs.
• Creates and manages Packaging BOM's in SAP
• Responsible for the creation and management of Purchase Orders for Artwork tools and packaging materials needed for qualification of new products.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drives competitive advantage by identifying, evaluating, and championing technical advancements, design trends, and packaging innovations.
• Leads the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on recyclability, recycled content, light-weighting, and waste reduction.
• Promotes and implements product, material, and package standardization and simplification to improve margins and achieve cost savings.
• Facilitates the sharing of ideas, knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices to enhance processes.
• Contributes to the development of packaging-related intellectual property.

Collaboration & Supplier Management

• Acts as a key interface with internal teams (GTC, CIC, Marketing, Supply Chain, Plant Management) and external packaging partners to ensure project alignment.
• Partners with Procurement to develop, qualify, and manage new suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Involves suppliers early in the innovation cycle and develops mutually beneficial relationships.
• Supports the execution of capital projects related to packaging (e.g., molds, machinery) in collaboration with Plant Engineering.

Technical Standards & Quality

• Develops, interprets, and refines package testing procedures and standards.
• Establishes local packaging specifications (PGSS), processes, and equipment in alignment with global goals and standards.
• Ensures that commercialization adheres to all Quality, Microbiology, EOHS, Product Safety, and Regulatory standards.
• Applies statistical concepts, packages, and design of experiments.
• Responsible for the accurate declaration of packaging tons to the designated Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) for South Africa.

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Design, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• An MBA is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 3years of technical experience in the packaging development field.
• Experience in Supply Chain, Product Development, or other Global Supply Chain (GSC) functions is a plus.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

Purpose of Role

• The incumbent will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and economic maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant (FPA), while also providing project engineering expertise to support strategic, productivity, and operational goals.
• Develop and align policy and procedural frameworks to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
• Maintain oversight of maintenance plans and ensure safe execution of high-impact engineering tasks.
• Provide technical expertise to resolve operational and quality issues.
• Design new packaging concepts to support category growth and improve productivity.
• Support selection, specification, and commissioning of packaging equipment, including FATs.
• Manage budgets and operational expenditure effectively.
• Engage in projects from conceptualisation to commissioning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging and engineering.
• Coach, mentor, and manage teams in achieving performance and safety targets.
• Ensure plant availability and reliability at all times while maintaining SHEQ standards.

Top Accountabilities (Top 6) skills:

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex technical data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, safety, and performance.
• Resilient and able to operate in a high-pressure environment.
• Team player, innovative thinker, with strong leadership and coordination abilities.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• B.Sc./B.Tech in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (EIT program from a sugar factory advantageous).
• GCC Factories Certificate would be an advantage.
• 510 years of experience in projects, facilities engineering, and/or maintenance of packaging equipment.
• PMP certification would be an added asset.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams within a unionised environment.
• Strong theoretical and practical base in project and packaging engineering.
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects).

Purpose of Role

• The incumbent will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and economic maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant (FPA), while also providing project engineering expertise to support strategic, productivity, and operational goals.
• Develop and align policy and procedural frameworks to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
• Maintain oversight of maintenance plans and ensure safe execution of high-impact engineering tasks.
• Provide technical expertise to resolve operational and quality issues.
• Design new packaging concepts to support category growth and improve productivity.
• Support selection, specification, and commissioning of packaging equipment, including FATs.
• Manage budgets and operational expenditure effectively.
• Engage in projects from conceptualisation to commissioning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging and engineering.
• Coach, mentor, and manage teams in achieving performance and safety targets.
• Ensure plant availability and reliability at all times while maintaining SHEQ standards.

Top Accountabilities (Top 6) Skills

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex technical data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, safety, and performance.
• Resilient and able to operate in a high-pressure environment.
• Team player, innovative thinker, with strong leadership and coordination abilities.

Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience Required

• B.Sc./B.Tech in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (EIT program from a sugar factory advantageous).
• GCC Factories Certificate would be an advantage.
• 5–10 years of experience in projects, facilities engineering, and/or maintenance of packaging equipment.
• PMP certification would be an added asset.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams within a unionised environment.
• Strong theoretical and practical base in project and packaging engineering.
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects).

About the Company:

The company specialises in the import and distribution of industrial processing and packaging equipment as well as speciality pumps for decanting drums and IBC flow bins.

About the Role:

We are seeking a professional who has extensive experience in selling industrial processing and packaging equipment as well as pumps to manufacturing companies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical sectors.

With a long established and ever-growing customer base in the Western Cape we are looking for an experienced senior sales executive with manager potential to grow a to-be-established Western Cape office.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge of the Western Cape manufacturing landscape in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical sectors.
• Established industry relationships developed through previous work experience.
• Strong technical understanding of processing, packaging, and pumping applications.
• The ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and build trust with diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Sales
• Actively identify and secure new business opportunities across target sectors.
• Present tailored solutions by matching customer requirements to the correct product applications.
• Consistently achieve sales targets through effective negotiation and deal closure.
• Account Management
• Support and maintain relationships with the existing Western Cape customer base.
• Drive growth opportunities within current accounts.
• Provide technical guidance and build long-term partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Market Growth
• Leverage existing networks and relationships to expand the companys footprint in the Western Cape.
• Analyse market trends and identify areas for business expansion.
• Contribute to the establishment and long-term growth of a new regional branch.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of sales success and achieving targets
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Experience sales in the field of industrial processing equipment, packaging equipment and / or pumps.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Strong track record supported by evidence of past performance (e.g., commissioned payslips, official sales target reports).
• Contactable professional references.

Requirements:

• Ability to work remotely and manage territory autonomously.
• Valid drivers license and reliable transport.
• Willingness to undergo a background check.
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and time management skills
• 5+ years of Chemical Manufacturing experience
• 5+ years of Food and Beverage Manufacturing experience
• 5+ years of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing experience