Actual Talent is the talent acquisition consultancy that offers Executive Search, RPO and Talent Solutions.

About the client:

Our client is a global food company based in Barcelona, Spain, operates in over 50 countries across Europe and Africa, offering more than 30 local brands.

Job description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experience Development Program Manager – Packaging to join our Development team. In this role, you will oversees the full lifecycle of food packaging development using and upgrading existing manufacturing procedures and materials —from concept to completion—ensuring alignment with brand, quality, cost, sustainability, and regulatory standards. This role leads cross-functional teams, manages packaging projects and budgets, and drives continuous improvement and innovation across packaging operations.

Role & Responsibilities:

Project & Program Leadership

Lead and manage packaging projects from initial concept through to successful execution.

Provide end-to-end leadership for packaging NPD, renovation, line extensions, and promotional packaging.

Coordinate cross-functional teams (Sales, Production, Marketing, Compliance) to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.

Ensure operational excellence in packaging execution across all initiatives.

Strategic Planning & NPD

Roll out packaging strategies using existing manufacturing procedures and materials, ensuring alignment with business objectives and local needs.

Drive packaging material decomplexity initiatives to streamline formats, reduce SKUs, and improve operational efficiency.

Support sourcing and implementation of packaging solutions that enhance performance while maintaining simplicity and compliance.

Stay informed on industry trends to selectively integrate relevant advancements that complement existing capabilities.

Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance

Execute sustainability initiatives at regional/local level, including eco-design implementation across existing formats.

Support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) activities, including waste prevention plans and circularity tracking.

Ensure packaging meets food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, adapting formats as needed.

Supplier & Quality Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging suppliers and vendors.

Liaise with packaging validation teams to complete homologation and supplier qualification processes.

Implement and oversee quality control checks and assist in troubleshooting packaging quality issues.

Interact with suppliers to collect and manage packaging technical data.

Performance & Cost Management

Manage project budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities through material innovation and process efficiency.

Monitor and analyze packaging performance data to identify areas for improvement and reduce waste.

Support database management for tracking packaging usage and aligning with sustainability KPIs and regulatory reporting.

Promotional & Operational Packaging

Lead development and implementation of BU promotional packaging (e.g., floor stands, free inserts, combo packs).

Cascade implementation with co-manufacturers and copackers to ensure consistency and compliance.

Support continuous improvement on existing packaging technologies and formats.

Requirements:

University Degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field.
Minimum 5 years in food packaging development, with proven project and people leadership experience.
We’re looking for someone with relevant experience across a broad spectrum of packaging formats; ideally covering rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible materials such as glass, metal, plastic, laminates, films, and paper-based solutions. Familiarity with both primary and secondary packaging types, including labeling and outer packaging, is highly valued.
Travel requirements: 10-20% in Europe
Fluent in English & Spanish

Development Program Manager – Packaging

Drive packaging innovation for a global food leader. Lead NPD, sustainability, and cross‑functional execution to deliver impactful, efficient, and market‑ready packaging solutions.