Packaging Optimisation Specialist

South Africas leading online retailer is looking for a highly talented Packaging Optimisation Specialistto join our team inCape Town

We are a young dynamic hyper growth company looking for smart creative hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market related Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs a great work environment and a promise that you wont be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

This position reports to the : National Planning & Procurement Manager

Your responsibilities will include:

• Create a long-term plan (23 years) for improving how Takealot packages products aligned with the companys growth cost-saving and environmental goals.
• Look at what global e-commerce leaders like Amazon Flipkart Alibaba and Jumia are doing with packaging and bring the best ideas to Takealot.
• Set clear packaging goals (KPIs) for the whole company and report progress to senior management.
• Build a system to track key packaging data parcel sizes how well boxes are filled how much material is used damage rates and cost per parcel.
• Analyse order and product data to figure out the best box sizes and reduce wasted space in parcels.
• Use data to predict how much packaging material will be needed so the warehouse doesnt run out or overstock.
• Study how packing stations work watch how long tasks take and where delays happen to find ways to speed things up and make the work easier for staff.
• Create standard packaging instructions that all Takealot warehouses follow so every parcel is packed the same way.
• Use proven improvement methods (like 5S and Kaizen) to make the packing process faster cleaner and more efficient.
• Find and test new packaging technologies including:
• Machines that make custom-sized boxes on the spot (Cross boarder Merchants)
• Automated systems that fill empty space in parcels/ Void fill innovations
• Smart packaging with tracking chips (RFID/NFC)
• Liquid protection packaging solutionsCheaper and sustainable packaging for Returns to MerchantsDark store packaging material types and
• Run structured trials for new ideas with a clear plan success measures and a decision on whether to roll them out or not.
• Keep a list of upcoming packaging innovations and report progress every quarter to the innovation committee.
• Category Management: Work with product teams to understand what different items need fragile products electronics groceries or large items.
• Supplier Relations & Procurement: Manage relationships with packaging suppliers negotiate prices and make sure theres always enough stock.
• Logistics & Last-Mile: Make sure packaging choices work well with delivery vehicles and courier size and weight limits.
• Customer Experience: Keep an eye on customer feedback about packaging and use it to improve.
• Engineering & Facilities: Work with the warehouse team on how packing stations are laid out and how new machines fit in.
• Keep a list of approved packaging suppliers and regularly check how they perform on quality delivery time pricing and sustainability.
• Meet with suppliers regularly to review their performance and address any issues.
• Look for local South African packaging manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports and support local industry.
• Reduce the amount of single-use plastic filler materials and overall waste in packaging.
• Test eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable compostable recycled or reusable packaging that work in South Africa.
• Make sure Takealot follows South African environmental regulations (EPR) and contribute to the companys sustainability reports.
• Work with the sustainability team to measure the carbon footprint of each parcel and set targets to bring it down

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management Operations Management Industrial Engineering Packaging Science or a related field
• 57 years experience in packaging engineering fulfilment operations continuous improvement or supply chain optimisation.
• Proven track record of leading cost-reduction or sustainability programmes with measurable documented results.
• Strong analytical capability proficiency in SQL Excel/Google Sheets and at least one BI tool (Power BI Tableau Looker).
• Experience with lean methodology and process-improvement frameworks (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a strong plus).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence and present to senior leadership.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the warehouse floor this is not a desk-only role.
• Background working within digital marketplaces large-scale retail logistics or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.
• Knowledge of robotic systems and advanced mechanical packaging automation.

Attributes Required:

• Packaging Knowledge: Strong understanding of packaging materials box design void-fill options and protective packaging solutions across different product categories.
• Data Analysis: Ability to work with large datasets using SQL Excel and BI tools (Looker Power BI Tableau) to analyse packaging performance and find improvement opportunities.
• Process Improvement: Practical experience with lean methodologies such as 5S Kaizen value-stream mapping and time-and-motion studies.
• Project Management: Ability to run structured pilots and projects from idea through to rollout planning tracking milestones managing budgets and reporting results.
• Supplier Management: Experience managing vendor relationships negotiating contracts and tracking supplier performance against agreed standards.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Understanding of eco-friendly packaging materials recycling standards EPR regulations and carbon footprint measurement.
• Technology Awareness: Familiarity with packaging automation on-demand box-making machines and smart packaging technologies.
• Problem-Solving: Able to break down complex operational problems identify root causes and develop practical solutions that work on the warehouse floor.
• Stakeholder Influence: Able to build relationships across multiple teams operations procurement logistics category and sustainability and get buy-in for new ideas.
• Hands-On Mindset: Comfortable spending time on the warehouse floor observing processes testing materials and working alongside packing teams. This is not a desk-only role.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to see the big picture where packaging fits into Takealots long-term goals while also delivering short-term cost savings.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced e-commerce environment where order volumes product ranges and priorities change quickly.
• Communication: Able to present complex data and ideas clearly to senior leadership and explain packaging standards simply to warehouse teams.
• Ownership: Takes full responsibility for outcomes from identifying an opportunity to implementing the solution and measuring the results.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands the cost implications of packaging decisions and how they affect the bottom line courier costs and customer experience.