Packaging Transformation Project Developer (M/F/X)

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision‑making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri‑food company? Come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

LOCATION AND DATE

Permanent contract to be filled as soon as possible.

Position ideally based at the headquarters within the Bel Group Research and Development team in Suresnes (92).

Travel required within France and abroad.

MAIN MISSIONS

As part of the new RID organization (Research, Innovation, and Development) aligned with the Bel Group’s strategic direction, we are looking for a Packaging Innovation Development Manager. This position reports to the Pack Innovation team within the Packaging Excellence Center. The main mission is to lead and support packaging transformation activities for the fruit & dairy snacking category, notably for the brands Pom’Potes®, GoGoSqueez®, and Montblanc / Récréolait.

The Packaging Innovation Development Manager’s mission is to identify, test, and open new technological routes and materials for the Group, addressing environmental expectations and evolving consumer usage, in accordance with the packaging CSR policy and regulations.

They will act as a relay for local development teams regarding best CSR practices, new regulations, and the Group’s commitments.

They will work closely with the Group’s marketing teams to build a long‑term innovation pipeline and identify development opportunities to feed it.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and study material innovations and consumer usage evolutions that will revolutionize our packaging offering.
• Manage innovation projects, constantly keeping in touch with teams across the various platforms, local factory teams, and marketing.
• Design, guide, prioritize, and decide on the most relevant technical solutions for the project, taking into account:
• The eco‑design approach defined by Bel Group.
• The identity of each brand and the user/consumer experience.
• Constraints and opportunities related to equipment, in collaboration with internal/external partners (engineering, factories, packaging suppliers, packaging machine suppliers, subcontractors, etc.).
• The innovation pipeline and time‑to‑market for each project.
• Mobilize the necessary expertise (packaging, engineering, quality, regulations, CSR, purchasing) and resources (human, technical, and financial capabilities) to achieve objectives, aiming to accelerate development timelines.
• Design and organise trial plans and monitor their implementation in the field (Bel factory or subcontractors).
• Define challenge tests and suitable control methods to validate the imagined technical solutions.
• Manage the relationship between the Packaging Excellence Center teams and the fruit & dairy category teams.
• Manage the relationship between dedicated packaging teams for various geographies (EU and US).
• Manage the CSR pack roadmap for the category. Align with US & EU stakeholders (Business & Technical) and prioritisation recommendation.
• Support brand teams on identified technical issues and on effective execution of the CSR roadmap.
• Participate in the animation of the packaging community on CSR and Innovation topics.
• Take part in transversal team actions: tools, creativity days, communication, improvement.
• Contact internal and external links in France and internationally.
• Material and equipment suppliers, Technical centres, Consumer testing agencies, Universities, public organisations, startups, etc.

PROFILE

Engineer specialised in packaging or equivalent.

Ideally, you have at least 5 years’ experience in the agri‑food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic sector, within a company recognised for its creative marketing and technical approach.

HARD SKILLS

• High general technical level and solid knowledge in packaging development in the food industry, with experience in product/packaging interaction.
• In‑depth knowledge of materials and packaging mechanisation processes.
• Proven experience in problem‑solving.
• Techniques for analysis and characterization of packaging.
• Mastery of project management, associated tools, and cross‑functional team facilitation.
• Fluent English for working in an international environment.
• Ability to be visionary and demonstrate concrete creativity; experience implementing user‑centric methodologies such as design thinking and brainstorming.
• Experience conducting industrial and transport trials, with expertise in experimental plans, data analysis, and synthesising conclusions and action plans.
• Used to risk analysis, task planning and prioritisation.
• Autocad and Capepack.
• Patent and CIRA experience, comfortable with new technologies and AI.

SOFT SKILLS

• Creativity, curiosity, and innovative mindset.
• Dynamic and enthusiastic.
• Ability to understand strategic challenges and challenge them, demonstrating true initiative and proposal strength.
• Willingness to dare, agility, and pragmatism.
• Natural team player, ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with colleagues and partners, internally and externally. Leadership and networking.
• Strong CSR convictions.

We look forward to receiving your application.