R&D Packaging Specialist

Founded in 1870, Papoutsanis SA is the biggest soap manufacturer in Greece and one of the largest producers of soap and hotel cosmetics in Europe. At its plant in the north of Athens, the largest production unit of its kind in Southeast Europe and one of the most technologically advanced in Europe, Papoutsanis produces more than 220,000,000 innovative, high-quality products annually, while exporting to more than 45 countries.

With a clear focus on sustainability and a global business network, Papoutsanis strives to continue on its strong growth track, building on four distinct strategic units: Own Brands - Hotel Amenities -Third-Party and Private Label Manufacturing - Specialty Soap Bases.

We are recruiting a R&D Packaging Specialist to work at our plant in Ritsona - with the following main responsibilities:

• Expertise in Packaging Technology and Materials
  Evaluate and select materials based on performance, sustainability, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Development and Sourcing of New Packaging Materials
  Collaborate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams (Marketing, Product Development, Quality) to ensure materials meet technical specifications and brand identity.
• Testing and Approval of New Suppliers and Alternative Packaging Solutions
  Validate suppliers and materials through trials, cost analysis, and risk assessment to ensure business continuity and regulatory compliance.
• Sustainability and Compliance Integration
  Promote sustainable practices by identifying recyclable or reduced-impact materials.
• Cost Optimization
  Conduct value analysis and benchmarking to reduce packaging costs without compromising quality or functionality.
• Project Management
  Act as a liaison between R&D, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Production, and external partners.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/ Chemistry or equivalent
• Proven experience (2+ years) in a similar packaging-related role.
• Effective written and verbal English language
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines
• Good understanding of product development process and testing requirements for a cosmetic product from concept to launch

Soft Skills:

• Ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects with various deadlines
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Excellent collaborator and flexible team player

Why you should apply...

• To develop yourself in an advanced technical environment
• Culture of continuous improvement
• To be part of a diverse and dynamic team