Job Title
Packaging Material Development Lead – Decorative Paints
Reporting To
Head – Packaging Procurement & Development
Location
Corporate Office
Role Purpose
Lead the development, qualification, cost optimization, and commercialization of packaging materials for decorative paints, including plastic pails, rigid containers, corrugated cartons, and metal cans, ensuring packaging performance, product protection, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost competitiveness across manufacturing locations.
The role works closely with Procurement, R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Packaging Suppliers to deliver innovative and reliable packaging solutions for interior, exterior, wood coatings, waterproofing, and ancillary product portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Innovation
Develop and commercialize packaging solutions for: Injection-molded and blow-molded plastic pails (1L–20L)Metal containers and cansCorrugated shipper cartons and retail-ready packagingLids, handles, closures, labels and fitmentsLead packaging design from concept through commercialization.Evaluate new materials, technologies, and packaging innovations to improve functionality and customer experience.Support new product launches through packaging development and qualification.Ensure packaging performance throughout product shelf life and supply chain conditions.Supplier Development & Qualification
Identify and develop packaging suppliers for plastic, carton, and metal packaging.Conduct supplier technical assessments and Vendor audits.Drive supplier innovation, quality improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.Lead vendor qualification and approval processes.Cost Optimization & Value Engineering
Identify opportunities for: Resin reductionGauge optimizationCarton grammage optimizationStandardization across SKUsAlternate material qualificationsDrive annual packaging cost savings programs.Develop should-cost models and benchmarking studies.Sustainability & Circular Economy
Increase recycled content utilization in packaging materials.Improve recyclability and reduce packaging carbon footprint.Support sustainability goals related to plastic reduction and circular packaging.Evaluate biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions where feasible.Manufacturing & Commercialization Support
Support packaging commissioning at manufacturing plants.Resolve packaging-related production and field issues.Ensure packaging compatibility with filling lines and automation systems.Lead packaging change management activities across plants.Quality & Compliance
Establish packaging quality standards and acceptance criteria.Ensure compliance with: BIS requirementsLegal metrology regulationsTransportation and handling standardsInternal quality management systemsInvestigate packaging failures and implement corrective actions.Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with: R&DProcurementManufacturingSupply PlanningMarketingQuality AssuranceLead cross-functional packaging improvement projects.Provide packaging technical expertise during customer complaints and root cause investigations.Key Deliverables
Successful commercialization of new packaging platforms.Packaging cost reduction targets achieved annually.Improved packaging quality performance.Supplier qualification and capability enhancement.Sustainability improvement initiatives implemented.Reduction in packaging-related customer complaints and manufacturing losses.Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Technology, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.Master's Degree preferred.Experience
10–15 years of experience in packaging development.Experience in paints, coatings, FMCG, chemicals, lubricants, adhesives, or related industries.Strong exposure to: Plastic packaging developmentCorrugated packagingMetal packaging systemsPackaging testing and validationTechnical Competencies
Plastic processing technologies (Injection Molding, Blow Molding)Polymer material selectionCorrugated packaging designMetal can manufacturing processesPackaging testing equipment and standardsDesign for manufacturability (DFM)Packaging specifications managementValue engineering and cost optimizationSustainability and recyclability assessmentRoot cause analysis and problem-solvingLeadership Competencies
Project ManagementStakeholder ManagementSupplier Relationship ManagementNegotiation & InfluencingInnovation MindsetAnalytical ThinkingCross-functional Team LeadershipContinuous Improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
New packaging developments commercializedPackaging cost savings (% and value)Packaging-related customer complaint reductionPackaging quality PPM/defect reductionSupplier OTIF and quality performanceSpeed of packaging qualification and launchSustainability targets (recycled content, packaging weight reduction)Plant packaging efficiency improvementsTypical Scope in Decorative Paints Industry
Packaging portfolio covering 0.5L to 20L packsPlastic buckets/pails, cans, lids, handles, shrink sleeves, labels, corrugated cartons, and metal containersMulti-site manufacturing supportCollaboration with regional and national packaging suppliersManagement of packaging spend ranging from ?50–300+ Crores annually (depending on company size)