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Packaging Project & Sustainability Associate

DELTA FOODS SA Greece Added on Jul 27, 2026
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This role sits at the intersection of research and development and environmental compliance within the Greek dairy industry. You will actively participate in the design and testing of new packaging solutions while ensuring all materials meet strict technical and regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include managing technical documentation from suppliers and tracking the environmental footprint of primary packaging materials.

Working for a leader like DELTA means your contribution directly impacts the circularity of the Greek food sector. With the company absorbing a quarter of the country’s cow milk production, every improvement in packaging eco-conception or plastic reduction scales significantly. This position is vital for translating complex EU sustainability directives into tangible, local product improvements that reduce waste and corporate carbon impact.

This suits someone who possesses a background in chemical or materials engineering and is eager to apply technical rigor to sustainability problems. You should be comfortable alternating between laboratory testing and legislative analysis to drive real change.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus is the development and implementation of innovative packaging solutions that balance technical performance with environmental goals. You will oversee the testing phases for new materials and manage the technical documentation required for regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will support the R&D team by collecting supplier certifications and managing data related to the environmental footprint of materials. This involves a mix of administrative precision and technical project management to ensure every package launched meets both legal and sustainability standards.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain deep expertise in European and national packaging legislation, a critical skill as the regulatory landscape for plastics and waste evolves. Exposure to the practical application of DNA technology and molecular microbiology in a food safety context is also a unique learning path. Furthermore, you will develop a strong understanding of life cycle assessment logic through the tracking of corporate environmental footprints. Working within a major group like Vivartia provides a front-row seat to large-scale industrial sustainability transformations.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry. A professional background of 3 to 5 years is preferred, specifically within R&D or Quality Assurance departments in the food and beverage industry. Technical proficiency in MS Office is essential, while knowledge of AutoCAD or AI tools is highly valued for packaging design. Soft skills should include strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex technical and legislative texts into actionable data.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on specific examples where you have managed material specifications or technical documentation. Highlighting experiments or projects where you optimized a material for better performance or lower environmental impact will demonstrate your readiness for this R&D environment. Since the company values its role in the Greek primary sector, showing an understanding of local production challenges and a commitment to regional sustainable development can set you apart. Tailor your cover letter to reflect how your engineering background can solve the specific challenge of sustainable dairy packaging.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is central to the company’s waste reduction and circularity goals. You will likely focus heavily on the transition toward recyclable or biodegradable materials as part of broader eco-conception initiatives. There is also a strong emphasis on governance and transparency, as you will be responsible for the accuracy of supplier environmental data. This ensures the company can credibly report on its sustainability progress and stay ahead of mandatory ESG disclosure requirements.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One significant challenge is navigating the evolving regulatory framework for food packaging, which requires constant vigilance and the ability to adapt technical designs quickly. Balancing sustainability goals with the strict safety and shelf-life requirements of dairy products is also a complex hurdle. You may also face the challenge of data aggregation from diverse suppliers, necessitating strong communication and persistence to ensure all environmental footprint metrics are accurate and complete.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical morning might involve reviewing the technical specs for a new milk container or analyzing test results from the packaging lab. You will spend time communicating with suppliers to verify certificates of compliance and environmental impact data. Afternoons are often dedicated to cross-functional meetings with the R&D and Technical departments to discuss project timelines. You might also dedicate time to researching new EU directives to ensure upcoming product launches remain fully compliant with environmental standards.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Within a large organization like DELTA, there are significant paths for vertical promotion into R&D leadership or specialized Sustainability Management roles. The technical knowledge gained here is highly transferable across the broader Vivartia group. Furthermore, mastering the compliance and LCA aspects of packaging positions you as a high-value expert in the food industry. Opportunities to lead high-visibility projects related to the corporate decarbonization strategy are very likely as the company expands its international footprint.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Packaging executives and work closely with the broader Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Assurance teams. These internal collaborations are essential for product safety and innovation. External interactions will focus primarily on packaging material suppliers and regulatory bodies. You will act as a bridge between technical design requirements and the sustainability expectations of external partners and Greek environmental authorities.

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