Head of Packaging

MISSION

The Packaging Head leads all development activities related to packaging for his/her brand group. The role is accountable for delivering viable technical solutions to strategic problems and for leading a team of functional pack experts to create innovative packaging solutions that elevate brand equity ensure regulatory compliance and drive sustainable growth.

The Packaging Head also champions and drives the long-term global packaging roadmap to anticipate future trends and needs delivering differentiated and future-fit packaging solutions. The position requires strong technical acumen leadership capabilities and effective resource and priority management while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful project delivery across innovation renovation/restage Design to Sustainable Value (DtSV) and cost-optimization initiatives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Long-Term Packaging Strategy & Technical Roadmap

• Lead end-to-end development from concept to commercialization aligned with brand positioning and consumer preferences.

• Oversee sensory evaluation stability testing and quality benchmarking to ensure product design excellence.

• Partner with Marketing and Insights teams to translate consumer trends into innovative packaging concepts.

2. Packaging Innovation & Development

• Drive the design and development of sustainable functional brand-enhancing packaging solutions.

• Ensure all packaging meets regulatory safety and environmental standards across global markets.

• Work closely with Procurement and Operations to optimize materials for cost performance and supply-chain efficiency.

3. Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain robust documentation and traceability for audits and certifications.

• Collaborate with Legal and Regulatory Affairs to guarantee accuracy in product claims and labelling.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a strategic partner to Marketing Operations Procurement and Commercial teams to align R&D initiatives with business goals.

• Lead and mentor packaging developers fostering innovation continuous improvement and consumer-centric technical excellence.

5. Capability Building

• Develop and upskill team members across technical and leadership capabilities elevating the function from executors to well-recognized partners.

INTERACTIONS

• Key internal partners:
  PMO Head Marketing Manufacturing Engineering Quality Consumer Insights Procurement.

• Key external partners:
  Suppliers vendors regulatory bodies certification agencies.

TARGET PROFILE

• Experience: 15 years of packaging development experience in an international environment ideally within FMCG luxury goods or spirits.

• Prevailing Skillset: Proven ability to lead teams of functional development experts (both technical and leadership).

• Job Family: Research & Development

TARGET CORE SKILLS

Functional Capability

• Strong technical expertise in packaging development.

• Deep understanding of Product Life Management and Stage Gate processes.

• Proven track record in new product development and successful market launches.

• Solid knowledge of quality regulatory and manufacturing requirements related to packaging.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in diverse cultural and international contexts.

Leadership Capability

• Effective cross-functional collaboration.

• Strong problem-solving and results-driven mindset.

• Practical hands-on approach.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Demonstrated people leadership and team-development experience.

KPIs

• Contribution of Packaging Innovation Pipeline to business growth.

• DTSV efficiencies and delivery.

• Speed to market.

• Excellence in technical execution (cost timing adherence to brief).

Pernod Ricard is committed to offering equal opportunities to all talents. Our recruitment methods focus on skills and competencies.