R&D Principal Packaging Specialist (gn)

Position Title: R&D Principal Packaging Specialist

Location: Darmstadt, Germany

Reports to:  Sr Manager, Packaging Development Color & Capability

Direct Reports: N/A

Scope / Brands:  Full Wella Portfolio

ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY

Together, WE enable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves.

Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.

For additional information about the Wella Company please visit www.wellacompany.com.

THE ROLE

The R&D Packaging Development team is seeking a Principal Packaging Specialist to lead projects across our brands for our packaging innovation pipeline. The role is part of the Global R&D Team. The primary focus is to combine deep technical expertise with AI based approaches to own and deliver Packaging Innovation Projects, Business Continuity projects and Supply Chain Packaging projects across a range of packaging materials and structures but with a strong focus on plastics. The role will be part of the Packaging Capability team adding value to the entire packaging organization. We are looking for a technical expert that combines deep knowledge and experience in plastics (packaging production technologies including mold building and qualification process) with a future proof AI based attitude to bring our packaging portfolio to the next level.

The R&D Packaging Development team works in cross-functional collaboration towards the innovation and development of highly differentiated packaging concepts and technology platforms by linking consumer insights and emerging technologies to satisfy our business objectives. In this full-time position based in Darmstadt, Germany, you report to the Senior Manager R&D Package Development, located in Darmstadt, Germany.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Packaging Projects: Own and deliver Packaging Innovation projects, Business continuity projects and Supply Chain packaging projects as well as Packaging Quality related investigations across brands.
• Act as the plastic packaging expert: Drive end-to-end development for plastic packaging components (especially Blow molding and injection molding) both for all initiatives across brand as well as for BCP and SC projects. This includes the entire end to end development process including 3D design, prototyping, Mold building and approval process, series production, testing and specifications. Owning the supplier landscaping to enable technical fit for use and future proof supplier allocation. Scout and implement upstream innovation ideas and technologies to drive projects and brand growth.
• Bring AI to packaging: Implement an AI first mentality to improve our packaging development and qualification processes: Define the “how” and implement and execute AI based tools to add value to the entire packaging portfolio.
• Innovate & Collaborate: Support end-to-end development of key packaging projects and functional specifications to deliver against business objectives and partner across functions in order to overcome barriers and bring the brand vision identity to life.
• Own Testing & Validation: Collaborate and own line trials, compatibility tests, packaging tests and quality protocols to ensure flawless execution.
• Optimize for Scale & Cost: Understand and integrate the requirements of possible supply chain solutions in the packaging design & value engineering process. Identify possible suppliers and cost drivers, consider menu options to optimize cost, scale and simplification delivering speed to market, delight and best value. Support the ideation and feasibility evaluation of packaging value engineering ideas on existing brands.  

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in packaging development within Beauty, FMCG, or related industries
• Experience working at a packaging supplier (plastics development, mold building, or innovation) is highly valued
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or comparable field

Technical Expertise

• Strong expertise in plastic packaging materials and molding technologies
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Blow molding and injection molding
  • Mold design and qualification
  • CAD (2D/3D), prototyping, and simulations
• Experience working with third-party manufacturers and global suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI and digital tools to improve development processes
• Strong data-driven approach to packaging development and testing

Industry Knowledge

• Experience with primary packaging components, including plastics, aluminum tubes, flexibles, and folding cartons
• Knowledge of supplier management and external innovation scouting

Innovation Mindset

• Proven success delivering consumer-centric packaging innovations
• Experience identifying emerging technologies and future packaging solutions
• Exposure to sustainability and eCommerce packaging is a plus

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong ability to communicate complex technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Skilled at project communication, technical documentation, and presenting recommendations
• Ability to influence decisions and build strong internal and external partnerships

Languages & Travel

• Fluent English required
• Additional languages are a plus
• Willingness to travel up to 30% internationally
• Valid driver’s license for Germany

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT WELLA 

• A diverse and dynamic team; passionate about Care and Styling 
• Attractive salary package with a wide range of benefits 
• Free company parking as well as central location and good public transport connections 
• Promotion of personal potential and individual career paths 
• Support during the induction period and the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage 
• A collegial working atmosphere at an employer with an appreciative corporate culture 
• Open communication and an international as well as diverse environment in which the "WE" is in the foreground! 

 Become a part of the "WELLA- family" - we live our values! #wellafamily #WellaCareers

EEO OPPORTUNITIES

We offer equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.