Packaging Support Specialist Opportunity at Woolworths Western Cape

The Packaging Support Specialist role at Woolworths in the Western Cape focuses on managing and coordinating packaging development across product categories. This permanent position sits within the FMCG and supply chain environment and supports the delivery of packaging solutions for food products and retail ranges. The role ensures that packaging projects move through each stage of development on time, within budget, and in line with business strategy. It involves working across multiple teams including buyers, product developers, designers, technologists, and external suppliers. The goal is to deliver high-quality packaging that supports sustainability, compliance, and commercial performance.

Core Purpose of the Role

This role connects product development, packaging design, compliance, and production. You ensure that packaging projects follow structured timelines and meet all technical and legal requirements. You also help align packaging output with brand strategy and retail expectations.

Key focus areas include:

• Managing packaging project timelines and milestones
• Supporting packaging design and rollout planning
• Coordinating internal and external stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with legislation and brand standards
• Driving packaging innovation and sustainability improvements

You act as a central coordination point across multiple teams.

Key Responsibilities in Packaging Development

The Packaging Support Specialist manages end-to-end packaging workflows. You track progress, manage approvals, and ensure delivery aligns with operational plans.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning packaging design and rollout requirements for 12 to 18 month cycles
• Managing FPI Innovation system updates and milestone tracking
• Coordinating with technologists, buyers, marketing teams, and legal departments
• Working with external suppliers, printers, and design agencies
• Ensuring packaging meets legal requirements across different countries
• Managing dielines, artwork, and print specifications
• Coordinating packaging approvals including red and black seal sign-offs
• Tracking project timelines and escalating delays where needed
• Supporting product developers with trademark searches
• Managing cost approvals for packaging design and production

This role requires constant coordination across multiple moving parts.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

You will work in a matrix environment with both internal and external stakeholders. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential.

Internal stakeholders include:

• Buyers and buyer assistants
• Product developers
• Packaging technologists
• Marketing teams
• Legal and compliance teams
• System support teams

External stakeholders include:

• Packaging suppliers
• Printing companies
• Design studios
• Courier services

You will manage communication, feedback loops, and approval processes across all parties.

Packaging Process and Technical Responsibilities

The role covers the full packaging lifecycle from concept to final print production. You ensure technical accuracy and alignment with production requirements.

Key technical responsibilities include:

• Confirming packaging specifications in system platforms
• Managing pre-production samples and mock-ups
• Coordinating print production meetings
• Reviewing dielines and artwork accuracy
• Ensuring barcode functionality and scan approval
• Managing print proof sign-offs and press approvals
• Checking packaging compliance with recycling and sustainability claims
• Supporting shelf builds and packaging visualisation for retail planning

You also ensure packaging aligns with retail execution requirements.

Compliance, Legal, and Quality Control

Packaging must comply with legal standards, trademark rules, and international regulations. This role ensures that all requirements are met before production.

You will:

• Conduct trademark and naming searches
• Ensure compliance with food labeling legislation
• Validate packaging claims such as recyclability
• Check OPRL and packaging standards accuracy
• Ensure legal approval before final production

Accuracy is critical because errors can lead to regulatory and financial risks.

Skills and Competencies Required

This role requires strong coordination ability and technical understanding of packaging processes.

Key skills include:

• Strong project management and time tracking ability
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Analytical and logical thinking
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders
• Problem-solving skills for process challenges
• Understanding of packaging materials and print processes
• Ability to work under strict deadlines

You also need a strong service delivery mindset and the ability to manage pressure.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this role, you need:

• A relevant 3-year degree or diploma
• Understanding of printing processes and packaging materials
• Knowledge of packaging design and production timelines
• Awareness of retail and store environments
• Understanding of packaging trends in FMCG
• Strong administration and coordination skills
• Good presentation and communication ability
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail

Project management or budget experience adds value.

Work Environment and Career Development

This role operates in a fast-paced FMCG environment where multiple packaging projects run at the same time. You will be part of a structured team that focuses on innovation, efficiency, and product quality.

You will gain exposure to:

• FMCG packaging development cycles
• Retail supply chain systems
• Product lifecycle management
• Sustainability and packaging reduction initiatives
• Cross-functional project delivery

This experience supports career growth into packaging management, category management, or supply chain project roles.

Application Details

The Packaging Support Specialist position is a permanent opportunity based in the Western Cape. It is suited for candidates with strong coordination skills and an interest in packaging, FMCG, and retail operations.

Apply HERE