Packaging development Manager (Maternity Cover)

Job description

We are seeking an Interim Packaging Development Manager to help build the future of Tony’s packaging portfolio. In this role, you will lead packaging development for innovation and renovation projects, ensuring we deliver packaging that is on-brand, technically feasible, and future-proof.

You will translate innovation concepts into scalable packaging solutions, driving projects from idea through validation to first production. Alongside this, you will strengthen our packaging development processes, elevate validation methods, and help shape our sustainability roadmap.

You’ll be part of the Marketing - Product Delivery team and report to the Development Manager, working closely with innovation, operations, quality, suppliers, and creative teams.

About the company

Tony’s Chocolonely is committed to ending exploitation in cocoa. We are an impact company that makes chocolate, not a chocolate company that makes impact. With incredibly tasty chocolate, we lead by example, demonstrating that ethical practices and success can go hand in hand. Through Tony's Open Chain (TOC), mission allies like Albert Heijn, Ben & Jerry's, Jokolade, and Aldi have embraced a fairer, more transparent supply chain for their chocolate too.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end packaging development for innovation and renovation projects across bars, seasonal, gifting, and bitesize ranges, working with diverse formats, materials, and manufacturing partners.
• Translate innovation and renovation briefs into clear packaging solutions, combining technical feasibility with Tony’s distinctive look and feel.
• Drive development from initial concept through validation to successful first production, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on brand, and within cost targets.
• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, and external suppliers to develop packaging that is efficient, compliant with food safety and regulations, and scalable.
• Improve and professionalize packaging development processes, introducing and implementing validation methods such as consumer experience, transport, and barrier testing.
• Set up, execute, and evaluate production trials, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks in collaboration with project managers and external partners.
• Contribute to the long-term packaging strategy by optimizing formats and materials, building a sustainability roadmap, and expanding the supplier and co-packer network.
• Coach and develop junior packaging team members, strengthening the sub-team and ensuring strong connection and collaboration within the wider Development and Product teams.

What we are looking for

• Previous experience in packaging development in FMCG or food, with a strong technical focus on materials and production.
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end packaging development from concept to validation to production.
• Strong expertise in packaging technology, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with suppliers, co-packers, and cross-functional teams in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, balancing timelines, costs, and stakeholders.
• Experience with packaging validation methods and testing approaches.
• A strong interest in or experience with sustainable packaging solutions.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills in English; Dutch is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced scale-up environment with evolving priorities.
• Available for a temporary/interim assignment of 8 months starting in mid September.
• Believe wholeheartedly in Tony’s purpose and live the core values: outspoken, in it together, entrepreneurial, raises the bar, and makes you smile.

What Tony’s offers

At Tony's you will get the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary, making real impact in the world while enjoying benefits that support your success.

We’re dedicated to enabling all Tonys to grow and develop their careers and therefore offer training programs, regular feedback cycles, coaching and a generous L&D budget. Additional benefits include a luxurious vega-lunch, company bonus, minimum of 28 holidays, inspirational team updates, unforgettable events and unlimited chocolate.