About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Packaging Development to join our team at The Coca-Cola Company. This remote opportunity will allow you to lead innovative packaging strategies while being based in Tokyo, Japan. As a transformational leader, you will inspire high-performing teams to drive impactful innovation and sustainability in our packaging initiatives.

What You'll Do

  • Translate enterprise and Operating Unit packaging strategies into actionable development priorities.
  • Drive future-back innovation by anticipating long-term trends and integrating insights into today’s packaging roadmap.
  • Provide expert technical direction for the development of new packaging designs and materials.
  • Engage with the global packaging GDI network to identify high-value innovations.
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships to drive alignment on major packaging programs.
  • Ensure packaging designs are compatible with manufacturing and distribution systems.
  • Develop a high-performing team of technical packaging experts.
  • Oversee the packaging development portfolio budget and monitor program performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience, with 3+ years in leadership roles.
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and a global mindset.
  • Language proficiency: Native or Business fluency in English & Japanese.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with sustainability initiatives in packaging.
  • Familiarity with emerging technologies in packaging.
  • Understanding of safety and regulatory affairs.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Relocation support to help you settle in your new role.
  • A culture of belonging and inclusivity.
  • Opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Access to global collaboration and learning opportunities.
Language Requirements
EnglishC1
JapaneseC1
BasicIntermediateAdvancedNative
Why This Job8.5 of 10

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead packaging innovation at a globally recognized company. With a strong focus on sustainability and team development, it's perfect for a strategic leader.

Salary Range
Required
0/1
Optional
0/1
Bonus
0/1

Who Will Succeed Here

Extensive knowledge in sustainable materials and packaging innovations, particularly using bioplastics and recyclable materials, to align with The Coca-Cola Company's sustainability goals.

Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams remotely, utilizing tools like Asana and Slack for project management and communication, while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Strong strategic mindset with experience in developing and executing innovation strategies in packaging, demonstrating a track record of successful product launches and market adaptations.

Learning Resources

Packaging Engineering Fundamentalsbook

Career Path

Director of Packaging Development(Now)Senior Director of Packaging Innovation(1-2 years)Vice President of Global Packaging Strategy(3-5 years)

Market Overview

Market Size 2024
$28.6B
Annual Growth
5.2%
AI Adoption in Packaging
35%
Investment in Sustainable Packaging
+150%
Labour Demand for Packaging Engineers
+12%
Avg Salary for Director of Packaging Development
$145K

Skills & Requirements

Required
Packaging EngineeringMaterials ScienceProject Management
Growing in Demand
Sustainable Materials EngineeringData Analytics for Packaging OptimizationDigital Twin Technology in Packaging
Declining
Traditional Plastics EngineeringManual Packaging Design Processes

Domain Trends

Shift Towards Sustainable Packaging
Over 60% of consumers prefer sustainable packaging options, driving a significant shift in packaging development strategies.
Increased Use of Smart Packaging
The smart packaging market is expected to grow by 25% annually, integrating technology for enhanced user experience and supply chain efficiency.
Automation in Packaging Processes
Automation in packaging is projected to increase by 30% by 2025, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs in the packaging industry.

Industry News

Loading latest industry news...

Finding relevant articles from the last 6 months

All job postings are automatically gathered by algorithms. We do not review or verify listings, be careful when applying and do not sign-in with iCloud or Google services.