Packaging Support Specialist : Africa at Woolworths

Job description

• ​​Input and plan packaging design & roll out needs of category area as per 12 – 18 month operating plan
• Opal & FPI champion, driving the new system and assisting matrix with milestones 
• Track & drive adherence to the timelines with all key stakeholders for all scoped projects as set in the FPI Innovation system
• Internal stakeholders: matrix teams (Incl. technologist, buyer, buyer assistant and PD), packaging & print specialists, marketing account Managers, system support specialists, legal team (i.e. trademarks, naming conventions.)
• External stakeholders : suppliers, printers , external design studio , external DTP teams, courier company 
• Inputs and responsibilities within the packaging and design process:
• Participate in concept and supplier blue sky meetings where packaging is front of mind with product. GBJ consideration etc.
• Ensure packaging complies to the legislation of various countries outside of RSA
• Packaging specification to be captured in the FPI Innovation system
• Ensure SKU & Range Overview & FOP Briefs have been submitted
• Input the cost centre owner for design and ensure that the cost estimate gets approved (incl. Photographer, stylist etc.)
• Co-ordinate required pre-prods with all key stakeholders timeously incl. print production meetings and manage any requirements in support of; e.g. mock-up's, product samples.
• Confirm and supply Dielines for Design Finalisation
• Track & drive adherence to the timelines escalating non adherence / slippage to appropriate Matrix team heads
• Assist the Product developer with Legal trade mark search: e.g. google searches
• Collate information for RO and obtaining sign off from supplier and PD
• Input and responsibilities for artwork & pack copy roll-out / DTP :
• Optimise relationships with the matrix team; take part in team meetings, status on each new or upgraded product. Weekly management meeting attendance.
• Obtaining Printer specifications and ensure that the Print pre production occurs and that specs are supplied to Print Technologist
• Assign the cost centre owner for artwork and ensure that the cost estimate gets approved
• Ensure that the  DTP cost are signed off by buyer and ensure agency has receipt
• Before external agency brief artwork/pack copy roll-out request oracle PO and ensure agency have receipt before job commences
• Manage invoices against signed off quote
• Ensure accuracy and usability with packaging printer and Account manager of worksmaps / die-line before roll-out
• Ensure that the packaging specialist has confirmed packaging recyclable claims
• Ensuring that that the relevant trademark searches have been completed and communicate outcome to Matrix team
• Check Pack copy is completed to best practice and aligns to design sign off layout within 48 hours to allow for amends before Pack copy submit deadline. Off-line with matrix team.
• Ensure OPRL and other packaging requirement listed are correct on 1st pass including dieline and print specs
• Organise 'team sign off sessions' as required. – with Key stakeholders on urgent projects
• Record keeping and time management of key stakeholders input at each stage, incl. supplier reverts ('tracker') against agreed timelines at on-set of project.
• Tracking & Drive adherence to the timelines escalating non adherence to timeline to appropriate Matrix team heads 
• Input required at printer stage:
• Agree on expected date for chromalin / print proof sign off with supplier / printers and manage key stakeholders signoff.
• Co-ordinate On press approval with print supplier and Print technologist.
• Ensure barcodes scans and is approved Buyer/ buyer assistant.
• Confirm receipt of press approval / print approval.
• Complete SKU on Opal
• Circulate the DF sessions agenda to ensure key stakeholders are kept informed at all times, and escalate any issues with sufficient time to stakeholders
• Outside of process other responsibilities include: 
• Reviewing current processes and make proposals with a view to improving them
• Setting up supplier meetings which inform relevant packaging critical path  stages
• Send parcels to assist the packaging development process (Suppliers, printers, etc.)
• Organizing  packaging mock-up's for strategic meetings, design or marketing requirements
• Provide electronic range overviews or hard copy reference of each range in its greater design for the category.
• Drive packaging reduction with packaging suppliers, PD and Central Technology.
• Collaborate with new and existing suppliers to push the boundaries in packaging.
• Recognize financial impact of decisions on the business, to work more effectively with the team

Minimum requirements

• ​Relevant 3-year degree / diploma
• Basic understanding of the different printing processes & materials
• Understanding of the design & print stages and timelines which inform the critical path.
• Understanding of costs involved and how one can influence them.
• Knowledge of stores and the retail environment
• Understanding of category packaging trends & how they could support & inform the category strategy
• Good understanding of specific area printable packaging needs
• Excellent co-ordination and time management skills
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Good presentation, communication and negotiation skills
• Strong service delivery mind set.
• Problem solving skills to find creative solutions to barriers
• Project and budget management skills would be advantages.
• Comprehensive understanding of foods labeling policies and legislation
• Passion to deliver to a deadline.
• Strong integration and people skills
• A brilliant negotiator
• A team player
• Excellent attention to detail skills
• Analytical and logical skills
• The ability to work interdependently.