Packaging Specialist

Packaging Specialist Opportunity at Karsten International

Do you have a can-do mindset and have you worked in retail previously? Then read on.

Karsten International is a leading company in consumer goods, manufacturing, and wholesales, dedicated to delivering high-quality products to our European markets. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in all aspects of our operations. As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking a talented Packaging Specialist to join our team. This role is available at both Junior and Senior levels, depending on your level of experience and expertise.

Job Requirements

Packaging Bill of Materials (BoM) Management:

• Responsible for maintaining and verifying the Packaging BoM, ensuring accuracy and consistency across pre-production and mass production samples.

Artwork Briefings:

• Create detailed briefings for all packaging artworks, incorporating mandatory requirements for all distribution countries where Karsten International operates.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay up to date with global packaging legislation and ensure all packaging complies with mandatory regulations.

Team Support:

• Assist the traffic team during low production periods and provide holiday cover as needed.

Design Software Proficiency:

• Utilize design programs such as Adobe Creative Suite to support packaging design and artwork processes.

Sustainability Awareness:

• Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable packaging practices and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.

Additionally, we value your experience with:

Strategic Advisory:

• Advise the Category Management department on packaging improvements and innovations.

Packaging Policy Development:

• Coordinate and update the company’s packaging policy to ensure optimal product packaging development.

Operational Implementation:

• Translate packaging policy into actionable objectives, measures, and specifications.
• Developing and implementing standardized packaging policies and processes to ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with business needs.
• Collaborating with the Buying department and other teams to improve packaging solutions that meet branding, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyzing, interpreting, and providing data for packaging waste management contributions (PWMC) / packaging tax.
• Prepare and present management reports on packaging progress and developments.

Regulatory Leadership:

• Lead the implementation of changes in packaging legislation across the organization.

Sustainability Leadership:

• Drive sustainability initiatives in packaging, aligning with Karsten International’s business goals.

Team Management:

• Manage and mentor the Junior Packaging Specialist, overseeing their training, workflow, and professional development.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in packaging, design, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and have a pragmatic mindset;
• Basic understanding of packaging legislation and sustainability practices.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Preferably experience in a retail environment;
• Preferably some knowledge of EU legislation for nonfood items or willingness to learn this;
• Good language skills in English;
• You live in or around Amsterdam and are able to work from the office minimal 80%.

What We Offer

Karsten International develops a wide range of products for daily use, from the latest gadgets to sustainable beauty products. You name it, we make it. In addition to hard work and delivering quality, having fun and collegiality are of paramount importance to us. The team consists of driven product developers, sales experts, logistics talents, online marketing specialists, and graphic designers. Thanks to a broad international network and more than ten years of experience, we conquer the hearts of consumers all over the world with our products. You will be given all the space you need to contribute to this.

To ensure that you stay in top condition, we offer you:

• A full-time contract
• Room for personal growth and professional development
• An excellent pension scheme
• Travel allowance
• 13th month bonus
• 8% holiday allowance
• An extensive lunch
• Fresh fruit and freshly ground coffee
• Boot Camp, Yoga once a week in the office
• Lease a bike option
• OpenUp for mental health
• A monthly 20-min massage in the office
• Discount on cool products
• Weekly drinks on Fridays
• Easily accessible office in Amsterdam
• A great team of colleagues