Packaging Material Development Specialist

HACO Industries (Kenya) Limited, founded in 1970, is a leading Kenyan manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods. The company focuses on producing a diverse range of products for the East African market.

The Packaging Material Development Specialist at HACO Industries is responsible for overseeing the complete lifecycle of packaging materials. This includes leading their development, qualification, approval, optimization, and continuous improvement for both current product portfolios and new product development (NPD) projects. The position requires ensuring that all packaging solutions effectively balance stringent quality standards, regulatory compliance, sustainability goals, cost efficiency, consumer needs, and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the role actively supports supplier management, operational excellence initiatives, trade-market quality, and broader business growth strategies within the company.

1. Lead the comprehensive development, testing, and scaling of various packaging materials, including bottles, cans, cartons, labels, closures, and corrugated materials.
2. Foster collaboration with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product compatibility, maintain shelf-life integrity, and successfully execute NPD and commercialization trials.
3. Establish and enforce strict packaging specifications, technical drawings, artwork standards, and performance test protocols such as drop, compression, and seal integrity tests.
4. Ensure full adherence to local and international regulatory frameworks like KEBS, EAC, FDA, NEMA, and SWM, as well as quality management systems including GMP and ISO
5. Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA), implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and resolve issues related to line efficiency or customer quality.
6. Qualify, audit, and manage strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, address non-conformances, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
7. Initiate value engineering, cost-saving projects, and sustainable packaging redesigns focused on waste reduction and recyclability, without compromising quality or brand protection.
8. Evaluate real-world packaging durability, support anti-counterfeiting and authentication measures, and maintain comprehensive material databases.
9. Track and report analytical data on defect trends, supplier performance, and quality KPIs using structured dashboards.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Technology, Chemical/Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related academic field.
2. Possess 4–7 years of professional experience in packaging development, quality assurance, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing.
3. Demonstrate deep expertise in various packaging formats, testing methodologies, and supplier auditing processes.