Consumer Driven Packaging Innovation Manager

Career Opportunities: Consumer Driven Packaging Innovation Manager (90615) Requisition ID 90615 – Posted 10/24/2023 – Research, Development and Quality – Research & Development – Italy – Parma Barilla G. & R. Fratelli is looking for a Consumer Driven Packaging Innovation Manager, within the Global Packaging Unit. The position will report to the Global Packaging Innovation & COE Graphic Director and it will be based in our Headquarters in Parma. Purpose Identify the consumers and customers’ needs referring to the packaging of our products and support the definition of new solutions. Manage the evolution of the new validated solutions from the concept stage through development to industrialization and ensuring the consistency all along the process. Key Accountabilities To design new packaging solution starting from consumer observations and insights, identifying current gaps, applying a Consumer Design Center approach in order to meet the consumer expectations and improve our current packaging range. Organize and manage creativity challenges and projects with expert networks. To drive the activities of consumers understanding in reference to all the packaging projects in the pre phase & gate funnel. To work with the marketing teams (MRU) in the phase & gate projects acting as the internal expert in the packaging topics (in particular in the validation process) in order to design the better solution that could be more close to the consumers ‘ expectations. In cooperation with the other stake holding units (Global Discovery Center Units, Product Development Centers of Expertise, Marketing Innovation Units) to identify and nurture the Open Innovation’s Channels to obtain ideas and concepts that could feed the Pre Phase & Gate and the Masterplan Phase & Gate Funnels. To identify and propose new packaging solutions through a continuous scouting of the market and competitors (including different product categories), direct contacts with materials and packaging equipment suppliers, workshops with universities and research centers and participation to fairs, conferences and external events. To support the customers’ needs definition process across the Regions in reference to packaging solutions in order to scale up the solutions identified and reach an adequate business size to allow economical sustainability. To ensure an Open Innovation approach in the new packaging designs and ensure the Knowledge to the Core Business Packaging Units and to the other function involved in projects. To build a robust Knowledge of the characteristics of the customers belonging to the New Channels and identify their needs in order to design the more appropriate packaging solutions. To manage an appropriate development of packaging concepts and mockups to allow consumer testing, functionality evaluations and support the internal decision-making process. To manage the development of the designed Packaging solutions in order to guarantee the products’ expected performance/quality. Requirements MSC University Degree in Industrial Design or as alternative Food Technology, Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or similar. Fluency in English. Italian culture & language understanding a plus. At least 2/3 years of working experience within an FMCG environment. Good communication, network and interpersonal skills; planning and organization skills, as well as problem solver. High level of autonomy, proactivity and effective project management skills. Collaborative and team-working approach. Ability to develop and nurture strong relationships. J-18808-Ljbffr