Senior Manager -R&D Packaging

Job Title: Senior Manager, R&D Packaging

Department: Research & Development (R&D)
Location: Bangalore BO
Reports To: Head of R&D

About Wipro Consumer Care:

Wipro Consumer Care is a leading global player in the consumer goods sector, committed to delivering high-quality, innovative products. We prioritize sustainability, cutting-edge research, and advanced product development to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are looking for a forward-thinking Senior Manager to lead our R&D packaging efforts and contribute to packaging excellence across our product portfolio.

Role Overview:

The Senior Manager, R&D Packaging, will lead the research and development of packaging solutions across Wipro Consumer Care’s diverse product range. This role will require a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring that packaging meets both consumer needs and business objectives. The Senior Manager will play a critical role in fostering cross-functional collaboration and managing key relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research and Development of Packaging Solutions

   • Lead the R&D efforts in developing innovative packaging solutions that align with business goals, sustainability initiatives, and consumer preferences.
   • Manage the end-to-end packaging development process, including concept generation, design validation, prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
   • Drive technological innovation in packaging materials, designs, and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance, shelf-life, and consumer appeal.

2. Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance

   • Lead R&D initiatives to improve packaging sustainability by adopting eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and supporting Wipro’s overall sustainability goals.
   • Ensure all packaging innovations comply with regulatory standards and industry requirements, including safety, environmental, and quality standards.
   • Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to stay ahead of environmental regulations and proactively address them in packaging design.

3. Stakeholder Management & Cross-functional Collaboration

   • Act as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders in R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sustainability teams to align packaging solutions with broader business objectives.
   • Collaborate with external packaging suppliers, material scientists, and technology providers to explore new packaging innovations and ensure the best solutions are implemented.
   • Present packaging developments and technical findings to senior leadership, influencing packaging strategy across the organization.

4. Packaging Testing and Validation

   • Oversee the testing of new packaging materials and designs to ensure they meet product protection, cost, and consumer experience requirements.
   • Manage the execution of performance, durability, and safety tests to validate packaging concepts in real-world conditions.
   • Analyze and troubleshoot packaging issues and work on continuous improvement to enhance packaging effectiveness.

5. Project Management and Execution

   • Lead multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution and seamless integration into the production process.
   • Use project management tools and methodologies to track progress, manage resources, and mitigate risks.
   • Ensure projects are completed within scope, on time, and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality.

6. Team Leadership and Development

   • Lead and mentor a team of packaging engineers and researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
   • Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to team members, promoting their growth and skill-building in R&D packaging.

7. Cost Management and Optimization

   • Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to optimize packaging designs for cost-efficiency without compromising quality or performance.
   • Identify cost-saving opportunities in packaging design and production processes and implement best practices to reduce waste.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Material Science, Engineering, Product Development, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in packaging R&D, preferably in the consumer goods or FMCG sector.
• Strong expertise in packaging material science, product protection, and packaging technologies.
• Proven track record of managing complex packaging R&D projects from ideation to commercialization.
• Experience working with external packaging suppliers and manufacturers to bring new technologies and materials to market.
• Excellent understanding of sustainability practices in packaging and familiarity with global packaging regulations.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in developing packaging solutions for a variety of product categories (e.g., personal care, home care, food and beverages).
• Expertise in sustainable packaging innovation, including biodegradable and recyclable materials.
• Experience with 3D packaging design tools, CAD software, or other related tools.
• Knowledge of international packaging standards and regulations (e.g., EU, US FDA, and others).
• Familiarity with lifecycle assessments and environmental impact assessments in packaging design.

Key Competencies:

• Packaging Innovation & R&D Leadership
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
• Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
• Technical Expertise in Packaging Materials & Processes
• Project Management & Cross-functional Coordination
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Strong Communication & Presentation Skills

Why Wipro Consumer Care?

At Wipro Consumer Care, we foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. As a Senior Manager in R&D Packaging, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of packaging and have a meaningful impact on the business and the environment. Join us in driving the next generation of packaging solutions that will delight consumers and support our sustainability goals.