Head of Packaging Technology

We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations. © Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.Job Purpose As a part of the Global CoE team, the position is responsible for the AkzoNobel Packaging Technology strategy, processes and governance to support the BU and Regional teams (Packaging, Procurement, Product Management & Integrated Supply Chain) in delivering the business goals related to primary and secondary packaging. The preferred location for the role is Barcelona. We are open to considering other AkzoNobel sites such as Pilawa, Newcastle, Montataire. Key Accountabilities Develops and maintains a multi-year sustainable Global Packaging Technology strategy that is aligned with business strategies to deliver standardization, harmonization, quality improvements, value engineering initiatives and support the BU Product Management plans Drive continuous improvement in AkzoNobel packaging processes, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with industry standards Define and manage regional/BU packaging portfolios working with key stakeholders ie. commercial, manufacturing, procurement, etc Key Activities Packaging Leadership: Coach and mentor the regional packing technology professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment underpinned with common ways of working with a focus on quality, business partnering and value creation Global Standardization: Establish and maintain a full set of standardized packaging processes, data and specification requirements across all regions, ensuring consistency and compliance with international regulations. Vendor Collaboration: Collaborate with vendors to assess and integrate cutting-edge packing technologies that enhance product quality, reduce costs, and align with sustainability goals. Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage with and lead cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Procurement, R&D, production, and supply chain, to develop a technical packaging strategy that support overall business objectives and timelines. Risk Mitigation: Identify potential risks in packing processes and implement robust mitigation plans to ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance, including alignment with R&D and Product Management on the protocol for New Product Introduction and packaging changes Value creation: co-create and champion the delivery of regional and business unit packaging value creation plans to harmonize, optimize and standardize primary and secondary packaging Education & Experience Technical packaging degree BSc/MSc or equivalent, and experience of Packaging portfolio management A proven track record in global packing technology within FMCG or Chemicals industry Experience with managing consumer and/or industrial packaging portfolios; defining specifications, functional requirements, product/packaging compatibility, design for manufacture and optimal distribution performance. Experience with packaging quality management and continuous improvement At least 10 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment, as supplier and/or sourcing/procurement Strong in stakeholder management working at executive level with product management, manufacturing and sourcing across region’s and Business Units Self-starter with strong organizational skills and structured approach Strong people manager that is able to lead a geographically dispersed team in a matrix organization Having worked in a multinational environment with sensitivity to different cultural behaviors Working at a regional level supporting more sites and willing to travel Excellent communication skills. Fluent in English At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.