Title:  Lead: Packaging

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Immediate Superior: Head of Engineering
Job Grade: 25
Location: Stellenbosch
Function: Supply Chain
Sub Function: Engineering - Centre Of Excellence 
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 125849
Closing Date: 01/01/2025

Applications are invited for the above-mentioned position in Supply Chain Services at the Engineering Centre of Excellence, Stellenbosch. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Engineering.
 

Purpose of the role:
This role shapes the capacity and capability of Heineken Beverages' Packaging Operations, Projects, and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, ensuring adherence to technical standards and best practices. The focus is on enhancing packaging integrity, driving operational excellence, and supporting product innovation and sustainability initiatives. The role integrates Total Productive Management (TPM) to optimise equipment performance, reduce downtime, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across packaging operations.

Key Responsibilities:
1.    Shaping Packaging Capacity & Capability:

• Lead strategies to optimize packaging operations, ensuring scalability and flexibility.
• Implement innovative packaging technologies and sustainable solutions.
• Improve operational efficiency using TPM and continuous improvement.

2.    New Product Introduction (NPI):

• Oversee NPI from concept to market launch, ensuring alignment with quality and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure smooth execution and scalability of new packaging formats.

3.    Custodianship of Technical Standards:

• Maintain compliance with packaging standards and regulations.
• Develop and manage OPCO technical documentation and quality control systems.

4.    Packaging Leadership:

• Provide strategic insights on packaging technologies and risks.
• Lead packaging teams through practices and standards.

5.    Support Senior Management:

• Provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Champion site master plans for packaging blueprints.

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing, and automation.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams and manage senior stakeholders.
• Problem-solving & Innovation: Strong analytical and creative skills.
• Project Management: Experience in managing large-scale projects and budgets.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and reporting skills.

Impact on Heineken Beverages:

• Operational Efficiency: Optimizes packaging processes to meet global demand.
• Successful NPI Launches: Ensures packaging aligns with product innovation and sustainability.
• Sustainability Leadership: Contributes to reducing waste and improving recyclability.
• Strategic Leadership: Positions Heineken Beverages as a leader in packaging operations and innovation.

Education, Skills and Experience:
•    Degree: Relevant BSc Engineering (preferably Mechanical Engineering).
•    Experience: Minimum 10 years in multinational FMCG operations, with experience in packaging, manufacturing, and capital projects management.
•    Leadership: Proven experience managing large manufacturing sites and driving continuous improvement.
•    Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of production and packaging lines, with the ability to optimize operations for maximum output.
•    Project Management: Strong project management skills; financial analysis and simulation skills are advantageous.
•    Global Experience: International experience is a plus.
•    Soft Skills: Strong leadership, initiative, and ability to work under pressure.

Conclusion:
This role is key to advancing Heineken Beverages Packaging Operations and NPI, ensuring operational excellence, sustainability, and alignment with strategic business goals. By providing Packaging leadership and technical expertise, the role will help Heineken stay at the forefront of packaging innovation and optimize global operations through TPM integration.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.