Competitive salary + super | Permanent full-timeGrowing role with broad business impact | FMCG beverage manufacturingPackaging innovation | Sustainability | Product developmentAbout the CompanyRefresco is the world's largest independent beverage manufacturer, producing over 12 billion litres annually across 75 global sites.
Our facilities manufactures high-quality juices and soft drinks for Australia's leading retail brands, helping shape the future of sustainable beverage production.About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Packaging Specialist to join our Technical/NPD Commercialisation team.
This role is responsible for driving packaging innovation, documentation, optimisation, sustainability initiatives, and technical governance across our beverage portfolio.Working closely with Operations, Quality, Commercial, Procurement, Innovation, and external packaging suppliers, you'll play a key role in new product development, packaging performance improvement, cost optimisation projects, and compliance requirements.This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded packaging professional who enjoys balancing hands-on project work with strategic packaging development.DutiesOwn and maintain the packaging specification library, driving standardisation and centralised document controlSupport new product development activities including packaging trials, carton sizing, material selection, and specification developmentManage packaging workflows within the new product development systems for new materials and product launchesLead packaging cost optimisation projects,



including lightweighting, shrink reduction, and specification simplification initiativesInvestigate and resolve packaging performance issues relating to transport performance, line performance, and supplier/customer quality concernsIdentify and implement packaging optimisation opportunities to improve production efficiency and packaging reliabilitySupport sustainability initiatives including rPET implementation, recyclability improvements, and APCO compliance activitiesManage Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) implementation and maintenance programsCoordinate Container Deposit Scheme registrations and ongoing compliance requirementsOversee GS1 barcode verification and product image management workflowsAct as the primary technical interface with packaging suppliers and support cross-functional stakeholder engagementDevelop packaging standards, line capability documentation, performance testing methodologies, and technical proceduresSkills & ExperienceTertiary qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related disciplineDemonstrated experience within packaging development, packaging technology,



or packaging engineering in FMCG manufacturingStrong understanding of packaging materials including PET, rPET, HDPE, closures, corrugate, labels and shrink filmsExperience supporting new product development and commercialisation projectsKnowledge of packaging sustainability frameworks, recyclability requirements, and circular economy principlesExperience working with packaging suppliers, converters, and packaging manufacturersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive continuous improvement initiativesWorking knowledge of GS1 standards, ARL requirements, and Container Deposit Schemes desirableExcellent stakeholder management and project coordination skillsCultureAt Refresco, the products you help develop go directly onto supermarket shelves across Australia.
You'll work in a collaborative environment where innovation, continuous improvement, safety, and sustainability are highly valued.
This role offers the prospect to influence packaging strategy while delivering tangible improvements across our manufacturing operations.Permanent full-time role with a global beverage manufacturerOpportunity to lead packaging innovation and sustainability initiativesExposure to major retail and beverage brandsCollaborative technical team environmentOn-the-job development and career growth opportunitiesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)On-site parkingPPE provided where requiredPre-employment medical assessment applicable to the roleAnd many more, available upon commencement of employment.
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📌 Packaging Specialist (Sydney)
🏢 Refresco
📍 Sydney