Packaging Technologist

At Snackworks, we are the people behind some of South Africa's most beloved brands. Willards chips, Big Korn Bites, Cheese Curls, the Bakers range — the kind of names that don't need an introduction, because they've been around longer than most of us. As part of National Brands Limited, with sites in Rosslyn, Isando, and Westmead, we're a business with real scale, real history, and a genuine appetite for what comes next.

An exciting opportunity exists within Snackworks for a Packaging Technologist. The successful candidate will report to the Packaging Manager and will be based at our Durban Westmead factory.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Packaging Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

Factory packaging productivity and commercial efficiency

• Optimizing line production efficiency by removing obstacles that might hinder consistent line outputs.
• Use of problem solving and fault-finding techniques.
• Execution and supporting Procurement Packaging cost saving initiatives.
• Conduct value analysis, identify and recommend cost improvement and source reduction opportunities on artwork.
• Develop and publish trial reports.
• Support production, quality and site engineering with regards to material and machine interface.

New product and line trial assessments/audits

• Meeting timelines of the business on all executions.
• Support procurement in the selection, assessment and development of new suppliers/converters.

Maintenance of colour standards and specifications

• Compliance of artwork.
• Drive quality packaging improvements in our packaging.

Support Packaging Managers

• Planning and attending trials where necessary at factories to achieve efficient product execution.
• Understand the supplier’s capability in relation to supporting Snackworks’s initiates.
• Assess line trials at factory level with focus on line performance and cost efficiency.
• Review packaging material usages.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:  

• A minimum of 3 years Technical Packaging experience within the food manufacturing industry or FMCG.

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• Diploma/BTech/ Degree in Food or Engineering Sciences is essential.
• Completed IPSA Packaging qualification is essential.

Skills and knowledge:

• Working knowledge of MS Excel.
• Understanding and reading of technical drawings.
• Working knowledge of SAP is essential.
• Understanding of packaging constructions and different print technologies.