Job Description

For more than a hundred years, we have had the privilege of creating, producing, and selling the most enjoyable and delicious confectionery under the family name Perfetti Van Melle. Of course, we could never do this alone, which is why we work together with 19,000 colleagues worldwide. Together, we make it possible for people to enjoy brands such as Mentos (Gum), Fruittella, Klene, Look-O-Look, Chupa Chups, Smint, and Frisk every day. Are you passionate about packaging technology and ready to turn creative concepts into robust, compliant and production-ready solutions? We are looking for a Packaging Specialist to lead packaging development for our European co-packing and co-manufacturing activities. In this international role, you will connect suppliers, co-packing partners and internal teams to deliver packaging that performs efficiently, meets customer needs and complies with internal standards and European requirements.

Packaging Specialist - Co-packing & Co-manufacturing Europe

36 hours per week

Breda

Your key responsibilities in a nutshell

You will manage packaging development across the complete packaging system—from primary packaging through transport packaging and pallet configurations. You will assess supplier proposals against co-packer capabilities, lead technical project activities and ensure that new or improved solutions are delivered on time, validated properly and documented accurately. The role reports to the Packaging Development Manager Co-packing/Co-manufacturing Europe and works closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Supply Management, Quality and the wider packaging community.

What you will do

• Lead the packaging workstream for new product launches, marketing initiatives and other co-packing projects across Europe.
• Evaluate packaging suppliers’ technical proposals and confirm their suitability for co-packer equipment, processes and operational capabilities.
• Develop and optimise packaging solutions that balance product protection, process efficiency, cost, sustainability and marketing requirements.
• Plan and coordinate industrial trials, transit tests and other technical validation activities; attend trials when required.
• Manage packaging specifications and project data, ensuring systems and documentation remain complete and up to date.
• Verify compliance with internal policies, quality requirements and applicable EU and local packaging legislation.
• Collaborate with packaging suppliers, third-party manufacturers and cross-functional colleagues across European markets.
• Contribute actively to the Global Packaging Community and share knowledge, standards and best practices.

The ideal recipe for this role

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher professional education (HBO) in packaging, engineering, food packaging or a related technical field.
• Relevant experience in packaging development and technical project management.
• Practical understanding of packaging materials, packaging–machine interaction, manufacturing processes and the new product development process.
• Working knowledge of EU packaging legislation, quality assurance and sustainability trends.
• Confidence in managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in an international environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an affinity for technical data and accurate documentation.
• Clear, professional English communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, cultures and organisations.
• A proactive, flexible and results-oriented working style, with the courage to address issues and drive decisions.
• Occasional travel to co-packing locations within Europe and, where needed, overseas is part of the role.

The ingredients of Perfetti van Melle

• A healthy work-life balance, including holiday allowance and travel reimbursement
• A competitive salary in line with the market
• An annual bonus scheme
• An informal and friendly working environment where you collaborate daily with enthusiastic colleagues
• An attractive pension plan
• Five weeks of annual leave, with the option to purchase additional vacation days
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships and bicycle leasing programs.