Open Innovation Packaging Specialist

We are looking for an Open Innovation Packaging Specialist to join the Packaging Innovation Team within our Global R&D Department. The role acts as a bridge between Lavazza’s internal R&D capabilities and the external innovation ecosystem, helping accelerate the development of next-generation, sustainable and premium packaging solutions. By scouting, evaluating and integrating external technologies, materials and startups, the Specialist will contribute to strengthening Lavazza’s packaging excellence, circular economy approach and consumer experience.

📊 Your day-to-day activities:

• Scout, evaluate and develop new materials, technologies and packaging solutions through collaboration with startups, suppliers, research centres and industry partners, in line with Lavazza’s sustainability and business objectives.
• Continuously monitor the external innovation ecosystem, including startups, universities, research centres and suppliers, to identify breakthrough packaging materials, technologies and sustainable solutions, such as bio-based materials, smart packaging and recyclable barriers.
• Lead and coordinate Open Innovation initiatives, including calls for startups and collaborative research projects dedicated to packaging innovation.
• Design, manage and execute Proof of Concept projects to test and validate external packaging innovations, working closely with internal Lab teams.
• Build and maintain a strong network of external partners, including technology transfer offices, venture capital firms, incubators and strategic suppliers.
• Translate external trends and technologies into actionable internal projects, ensuring alignment with Lavazza’s brand identity, industrial feasibility and business priorities.
• Ensure all Open Innovation packaging projects are aligned with current and upcoming international environmental regulations and Lavazza corporate sustainability guidelines.

💡 Who we’re looking for:

• Preferably, a Master’s degree in Product Design, Material Sciences/Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Innovation Management or a related technical/scientific field.
• Specialisation courses in packaging design, eco-design or circularity index applied to packaging will be considered a plus, as will knowledge of materials, printing processes and graphic design.
• Around 3 years of experience in Packaging Innovation, R&D or Open Innovation roles, ideally within FMCG, Food & Beverage or advanced materials contexts.
• Curiosity, a growth mindset, a proactive approach and strong project management skills.
• Good spoken and written English and Italian.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD or similar tools and 3D software.

✨ In return we offer:

• Comprehensive welfare package including short working week during summer months
• Hybrid working policy (10 days a month remote working)
• Access to company facilities, such as restaurant service & corporate gym
• A fast paced and dynamic international context

💬 What next?

Our Talent Acquisition Team will assess your application and if you have what we’re looking for, you'll be contacted for an initial interview
If you make it to the short list, you’ll be interviewed by the Hiring Manager and if necessary, other members of the hiring panel
In some cases, you may be required to show us your skills via technical challenge.

Salary and benefits:

The role is classified as 2° level under the Italian CCNL Industria Alimentare.
Initial annual gross salary of minimum €45k.
Premio per Obiettivi (PPO) equal to €2.500 at target level.

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