Job Description
Location: Coimbatore, India
Industry: Food & Beverage
Experience: 47 Years
Department: Packaging Development / Quality / Regulatory
Reports To: Head Packaging / Quality / Regulatory
About Us:
We work for Harris Freeman, a US-based company with a portfolio of heritage tea brands were turning into success stories. Our India HQ is in Kolkata, and our team is passionate about growth, performance, and optimisation. We are seeking a Packaging Technologist to join our team and strengthen our existing team, supporting the US Market in Packaging & Regulatory Compliance.
Position Overview:
To develop, validate, and implement packaging materials and formats for food and beverage products, ensuring product protection, shelf-life stability, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency across domestic and export markets. The role involves hands-on packaging development, supplier coordination, and support for regulatory and labelling compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Validation
- Develop and evaluate packaging materials and formats for new product launches and existing products.
- Conduct packaging trials and validation studies, including sealing, compatibility, and product protection.
- Optimise packaging solutions for cost, performance, and operational efficiency.
- Support packaging selection based on product characteristics such as moisture sensitivity, aroma retention, and shelf-life requirements.
- Identify opportunities for packaging material reduction and cost savings.
Regulatory Compliance & Labelling
- Ensure packaging materials comply with applicable food safety and packaging regulations.
- Support compliance with packaging and labelling requirements for domestic and export markets.
- Review packaging artworks for regulatory and statutory compliance.
- Maintain regulatory documentation such as:
- Food contact material declarations
- Compliance certificates
- Packaging specifications
- Support the implementation of regulatory changes into packaging artwork.
Exposure Preferred To:
- FSSAI packaging & labelling regulations (India)
- US FDA food packaging and labelling requirements
- EU / UK food packaging regulations
- Canadian CFIA packaging and labelling requirements (advantageous)
Packaging Testing & Performance Evaluation
- Conduct and document packaging tests
- Evaluate packaging performance under different storage and transportation conditions.
- Coordinate with external laboratories for specialised testing when required.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Liaise with packaging suppliers for material selection, trials, and approvals.
- Evaluate supplier documentation, including compliance and technical specifications.
- Support vendor qualification and material approval processes.
- Identify and develop alternative suppliers when required.
Artwork & Change Management
- Coordinate packaging artwork reviews with regulatory and marketing teams.
- Maintain version control of packaging artwork and specifications.
- Support packaging change control processes.
- Ensure timely implementation of packaging updates.
Documentation & Systems
- Develop and maintain packaging specifications and technical documentation.
- Maintain packaging BOMs and master data in ERP systems.
- Ensure proper traceability and documentation of packaging materials.
- Support audit readiness by maintaining accurate records.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
- Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Affairs
- Production
- Procurement
- R&D
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
Qualifications
Essential:
- PG Diploma / Certification in Packaging Technology or Regulatory Affairs.
- PG Diploma in Packaging Technology from IIP or SIES
Experience
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in packaging development, packaging quality, or packaging operations.
- Experience in Food & Beverage industry is preferred.
- Exposure to export packaging and multi-country regulatory requirements is highly desirable.
- Hands-on experience with packaging trials and supplier coordination preferred.
Technical Skills
- Working knowledge of packaging materials such as:
- Flexible laminates
- Paperboard cartons
- Rigid plastics
- Metal packaging (if applicable)
- Understanding of:
- Food-contact material compliance
- Packaging validation methods, Shelf-life and storage requirements
- Labelling compliance requirements
- Familiarity with:
- Packaging specifications
- ERP systems
- Change control processes
- Technical documentation management
Key Competencies
- Strong attention to detail
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good documentation discipline
- Strong coordination and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple packaging projects
- Vendor coordination capability
Preferred Skills
- Experience in flexible packaging for powders, tea, or dry food products
- Knowledge of multi-country labelling requirements
- Exposure to sustainable packaging initiatives
- Understanding of packaging cost structures and optimisation
- Experience in supporting export markets
Working Conditions
- Based at a manufacturing facility in Coimbatore
- Involves interaction with production lines and packaging vendors
- Occasional travel to supplier facilities may be required
Job Classification
Industry: Food Processing
Functional Area / Department: Quality Assurance
Role Category: Quality Assurance - Other
Role: Quality Assurance - Other
Employement Type: Full time
Contact Details:
Company: iRely
Location(s): Coimbatore
Keyskills:
Packaging Development & Validation
Sustainable packaging
Flexible packaging
Packaging Testing & Performance Evaluation
Multi-country labelling
Export packaging
Artwork & Change Management
Paperboard cartons
Multi-country regulatory