• Define and execute a holistic EMEA Packaging R&D strategy aligned with global packaging and business segment strategies across all brands (Self Care, Essential Health, Skin Health & Beauty, and future categories).

• Build and manage a balanced, risk-based packaging pipeline, driving Innovation, Lifecycle management, Business continuity & Regulatory and compliance readiness

• Ensure fit-for-purpose, channel-ready (including e-commerce), and consumer-relevant packaging solutions across diverse markets.

2. End-to-End Delivery & Execution Excellence

• Own E2E packaging delivery across innovation, renovation, and supply continuity initiatives.

• Drive Right-First-Time execution, simplification, and speed-to-market through optimized governance and decision-making.

• Partner with regional operations to ensure robust scale-up, technical transfer, and crisis management readiness.

3. Organization & Capability Development

• Lead and evolve a high-performing, multi-country team, fostering a culture of agility, accountability & innovation

• Build future-ready capabilities in:

• Sustainable packaging

• Digital tools and data analytics

• Advanced materials and technologies

• Develop talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure long-term organisational strength.

4. Agile Resourcing & Operating Model

• Establish and manage a flexible resourcing model (insourced, outsourced, and strategic partner ecosystem).

• Dynamically allocate resources across brands, markets, and strategic priorities to maximize impact.

• Drive integrated portfolio management across segments to optimize efficiency and delivery.

5. Cross-Segment & Global Integration

• Lead as part of the ONE Packaging R&D organisation, ensuring strong alignment with:

• Global Packaging leaders across all segments

• Packaging Operations, Supplier Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation teams

• Enable cross-segment leverage of platforms, technologies, and capabilities.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and standardization of best practices across regions and categories.

6. Innovation & External Ecosystem

• Identify and translate emerging consumer, technology, and sustainability trends into actionable packaging solutions.

• Build strategic partnerships with Suppliers, Start-ups, Academia & Technology providers

• Drive upstream innovation pipelines that deliver competitive advantage and differentiation.

7. Sustainability & Compliance Leadership

• Ensure delivery of regional and global sustainability targets, including Recyclability, Material reduction & Carbon footprint improvements

• Embed regulatory compliance by design, addressing evolving EMEA requirements.

• Champion sustainable innovation aligned with corporate ESG commitments.

8. Data, Digital & Performance Management

• Lead adoption of digital-first tools, predictive analytics, and simulation capabilities to enhance decision-making and efficiency.

• Define and track clear KPIs across delivery, cost, sustainability, and innovation impact.

• Leverage data to improve portfolio prioritisation, risk management, and performance transparency.

9. Financial & Business Stewardship

• Accountable for delivering against financial targets, including Cost optimization, Value engineering & Investment prioritization

• Translate technical decisions into clear business impact, risks, and opportunities.

What we are looking for:

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Packaging Technology, Engineering, or related technical field

• 12+ years of packaging R&D and innovation experience, across multiple categories (e.g. consumer health, beauty, FMCG)

• Demonstrated experience leading multi-segment, multi-market portfolios

• • 5 years of senior people leadership across geographically dispersed teams

• Proficiency in English

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Strong expertise in global portfolio and project management

• Proven ability to define and lead complex, cross-functional, multi-regional organizations

• Deep technical knowledge of Packaging materials and technologies, Sustainable design, Manufacturing and scale-up

• e-commerce and omnichannel requirements

• Strong business acumen with ability to balance commercial, technical, and operational priorities

• Advanced stakeholder management and influencing skills, including senior leadership engagement

• Experience with digital tools, data analytics, and simulation technologies

• Track record of driving transformation and change management

• Strong external orientation, with ability to build and leverage strategic partnerships

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate and express concepts clearly and persuasively both verbally and in writing, particularly when simplifying complex technical issues.

• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build effective personal networks internally and externally.

• Highly collaborative with a strong sense of ownership, willing to be held accountable and be rewarded for delivering results.

• In-depth knowledge of business, organizational goals, Packaging function, and cross functional business partners to make informed business decisions and create and execute business strategies. Ability to represent Packaging function on cross-functional teams and governance forums.

• High degree of organizational and analytical skills, able to demonstrate sound judgment & develop creative solutions

• Builds and sustains partnership across organizational boundaries and functions as well as outside the organization to achieve common goals and outcomes.

• Leads thorough analysis of situations with appropriate attention to details and the big picture including consideration of impact and risk

• Wins support and buy-in from sponsors, partners and stakeholders by effectively satisfying stakeholder interests and concerns while advocating a clear direction forward; and coaches others to do the same.

• Models, encourages and creates the conditions for an inclusive and respectful work environment. Acts as a catalyst and change agent for creating an inclusive and respectful work environment

• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural, highly matrixed organization