Packaging Technologist, Ornua Co-operative

Packaging Technologist Opportunity at Ornua: Shape the Future of Dairy Packaging

Ornua, a global leader in Irish dairy exports with over 55 years of heritage, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Packaging Technologist to join their innovative Product Innovation team. This role presents a significant opportunity for a forward-thinking professional to make a tangible impact on the company's growth trajectory and its mission to bring the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world.

Why Ornua? A Career Defined by Purpose and Growth:

Joining Ornua means becoming part of a purpose-driven, values-led organisation. Their cooperative ethos, centered on creating value for Irish dairy farming families, is at the core of their operations. You'll be part of a global network, with Ornua operating across 10 business units worldwide, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Ornua is committed to investing in its people, offering:

• Career Progression: Opportunities for growth and advancement, including potential for global mobility.
• Comprehensive Benefits: A robust package designed to support your well-being and financial security.
• A Values-Driven Culture: Embracing values such as seeking new ideas, making things happen, being your true self, showing care, and achieving great things together.

The Role: Driving Packaging Innovation and Excellence

As a Packaging Technologist, you will be instrumental in driving the delivery of packaging projects, translating the company's innovation strategy into tangible solutions. You will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the entire packaging development process, from concept to execution, ensuring all legal, functional, and consumer requirements are met.
• Building strong collaborative relationships with suppliers, marketing, procurement, and operations teams.
• Staying abreast of the latest packaging trends, technologies, and customer needs to proactively fuel the packaging strategy and ensure sustainability is at the forefront.
• Acting as a technical expert, providing valuable insights and guidance throughout projects.
• Developing and maintaining fit-for-purpose packaging specifications for high-volume manufacturing.
• Proactively managing supplier performance and resolving technical issues on existing packaging solutions.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Packaging Professionals:

• Strategic Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of packaging for a leading dairy exporter, directly contributing to business strategy.
• Innovation Focus: Engage with cutting-edge packaging concepts and technologies, driving forward-thinking solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a cross-functional team, leveraging strong interpersonal skills to build effective networks.
• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to expand your knowledge base with exposure to diverse packaging formats and materials.
• Global Reach: Be part of an organisation with a significant international presence, offering exposure to global markets.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess:

• FMCG Experience: A strong background in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, ideally within the chilled food, food, or pharmaceutical sectors, with proven experience in introducing and validating new packaging products and manufacturing processes.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of rigid and flexible packaging materials and manufacturing processes, with the ability to interpret and create technical drawings. 3D CAD experience is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to use statistical data analysis tools to assess product/process performance and to apply technical knowledge within a commercial context.
• Strategic Thinking: A creative mindset for exploring new packaging formats and the ability to influence technical packaging work programs with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability: Experience working within stage-and-gate product development processes and a proactive approach to managing technical challenges.

A Supportive Interview Process:

Ornua's interview process is designed to be both thorough and supportive, consisting of an initial remote interview via Teams, followed by a face-to-face interview. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of your skills and experiences, while also giving you the opportunity to experience Ornua's environment firsthand.

If you are a motivated and passionate Packaging Technologist looking to advance your career within a growing, mission-driven organisation, this opportunity at Ornua could be your next significant career move.