Packaging Optimisation Specialist

South Africa·Cape Townmid

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

Create a long-term plan (2–3 years) for improving how Takealot packages products, aligned with the company's growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals.

Requirements Summary

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Science, or a related field 5–7 years' experience in packaging engineering,

Technical Tools

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takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Packaging Optimisation Specialist to join our team in Cape Town

We are a young, dynamic, hyper growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market related, Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs, a great work environment and a promise that you won’t be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

Responsibilities

~3 min read

→Create a long-term plan (2–3 years) for improving how Takealot packages products, aligned with the company's growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals.
→Look at what global e-commerce leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba, and Jumia are doing with packaging, and bring the best ideas to Takealot.
→Set clear packaging goals (KPIs) for the whole company and report progress to senior management.
→Build a system to track key packaging data — parcel sizes, how well boxes are filled, how much material is used, damage rates, and cost per parcel.
→Analyse order and product data to figure out the best box sizes and reduce wasted space in parcels.
→Use data to predict how much packaging material will be needed, so the warehouse doesn't run out or overstock.
→Study how packing stations work — watch how long tasks take and where delays happen — to find ways to speed things up and make the work easier for staff.
→Create standard packaging instructions that all Takealot warehouses follow, so every parcel is packed the same way.
→Use proven improvement methods (like 5S and Kaizen) to make the packing process faster, cleaner, and more efficient.
→Find and test new packaging technologies, including:
→Machines that make custom-sized boxes on the spot (Cross boarder Merchants)
→Automated systems that fill empty space in parcels/ Void fill innovations
→Smart packaging with tracking chips (RFID/NFC)
→Liquid protection packaging solutions Cheaper and sustainable packaging for Returns to Merchants Dark store packaging material types and
→Run structured trials for new ideas — with a clear plan, success measures, and a decision on whether to roll them out or not.
→Keep a list of upcoming packaging innovations and report progress every quarter to the innovation committee.
→Category Management: Work with product teams to understand what different items need — fragile products, electronics, groceries, or large items.
→Supplier Relations & Procurement: Manage relationships with packaging suppliers, negotiate prices, and make sure there's always enough stock.
→Logistics & Last-Mile: Make sure packaging choices work well with delivery vehicles and courier size and weight limits.
→Customer Experience: Keep an eye on customer feedback about packaging and use it to improve.
→Engineering & Facilities: Work with the warehouse team on how packing stations are laid out and how new machines fit in.
→Keep a list of approved packaging suppliers and regularly check how they perform on quality, delivery time, pricing, and sustainability.
→Meet with suppliers regularly to review their performance and address any issues.
→Look for local South African packaging manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports and support local industry.
→Reduce the amount of single-use plastic, filler materials, and overall waste in packaging.
→Test eco-friendly alternatives — like biodegradable, compostable, recycled, or reusable packaging — that work in South Africa.
→Make sure Takealot follows South African environmental regulations (EPR) and contribute to the company's sustainability reports.
→Work with the sustainability team to measure the carbon footprint of each parcel and set targets to bring it down

Requirements

~1 min read

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Science, or a related field
5–7 years' experience in packaging engineering, fulfilment operations, continuous improvement, or supply chain optimisation.
Proven track record of leading cost-reduction or sustainability programmes with measurable, documented results.
Strong analytical capability — proficiency in SQL, Excel/Google Sheets, and at least one BI tool (Power BI, Tableau, Looker).
Experience with lean methodology and process-improvement frameworks (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a strong plus).
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and present to senior leadership.
Willingness to spend significant time on the warehouse floor — this is not a desk-only role.
Background working within digital marketplaces, large-scale retail logistics, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.
Knowledge of robotic systems and advanced mechanical packaging automation.