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Category Manager Packaging & Sustainability

HelloFresh • Australia • Added on Sep 28, 2026
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This role bridges the gap between high-stakes procurement and environmental stewardship within the Australian and New Zealand markets. You will take full ownership of the packaging category, moving beyond simple supply chain logistics to lead strategic sourcing that prioritizes material innovation and efficiency. Your daily work involves balancing supplier negotiations with rigorous data analysis to meet both commercial targets and carbon reduction goals.

At HelloFresh, packaging is the primary interface between the brand and its environmental footprint. By driving local sustainability projects like renewable energy transitions and circular packaging design, you directly influence the decarbonization of the food tech industry. This position is vital because it turns corporate ESG commitments into tangible reductions in Scope 3 emissions and plastic waste across a massive distribution network.

This suits someone who possesses a sharp commercial mind and a genuine passion for material science and environmental reporting. You should be a proactive problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced, data-heavy environments where operational excellence meets long-term ecological impact.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of packaging procurement for the ANZ region. You will be responsible for defining the category strategy, ensuring that material choices align with both cost-efficiency and circular economy principles. This includes managing regional tenders and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse supplier network. Beyond traditional purchasing, you will lead the collection and analysis of GHG Scope 3 data and manage non-financial reporting requirements. You are tasked with identifying opportunities for operational optimization, such as improving energy efficiency in logistics and implementing innovative packaging solutions that reduce the brand's overall environmental impact.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the circular economy as it applies to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, specifically regarding Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) standards. The role offers a front-row seat to how a global tech-driven food company integrates sustainability into a complex, high-volume supply chain. Furthermore, you will sharpen your analytical skills by managing complex carbon accounting datasets and non-financial reporting frameworks. Exposure to international category management strategies and local renewable energy projects will provide a well-rounded professional development path in both procurement and corporate social responsibility.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least three years of experience in strategic procurement or commercial consulting, ideally with a focus on the food or FMCG sectors. A strong academic background in business, supply chain, or sustainability is essential to navigate the technical and commercial aspects of the role. Technical proficiency in Excel and a solid understanding of sustainability drivers, such as material specifications and emission factors, are essential. We look for someone who is assertive and entrepreneurial, capable of taking full ownership of projects while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the rapid changes of a digital-native business.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the Australian packaging environment and specific regulatory frameworks like APCO. Highlight previous instances where you successfully balanced cost savings with environmental improvements, as HelloFresh values the intersection of commercial viability and mission-driven results. Tailor your application by showing your data-driven decision-making process. Explain how you use quantitative insights to influence stakeholders and drive sustainability projects forward. Being able to articulate a vision for reducing packaging waste while maintaining operational efficiency will mark you as a top-tier candidate.

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

The role focuses heavily on the environmental footprint of physical goods, specifically packaging waste and carbon emissions. You will be at the forefront of the company's efforts to achieve its ANZ-specific sustainability targets, including initiatives related to renewable energy and energy efficiency within the supply chain. Additionally, you will play a key role in Scope 3 decarbonization. By working closely with suppliers to innovate material use and improve recycling rates, you will directly contribute to the company's global mission to minimize food system impact and promote a more sustainable way of eating.

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

One of the primary challenges is balancing the urgent demands of a fast-paced logistics environment with the longer-term nature of sustainability projects. You may face pressure to maintain low costs while trying to introduce more expensive, eco-friendly packaging materials or renewable energy solutions. Managing data accuracy for non-financial reporting across multiple brands and suppliers can also be complex. Navigating regional supply chain disruptions while trying to hit ambitious carbon reduction targets requires a high level of resilience and the ability to find creative solutions under pressure.

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

A typical day might begin with analyzing packaging usage data and GHG metrics to prepare for monthly reporting cycles. You could spend your mid-day in meetings with local suppliers to discuss contract renewals or to review the progress of a new packaging innovation trial. Afternoons are often dedicated to cross-functional collaboration with international category leads or local operations teams to align on sustainability projects. You might also spend time auditing invoices, approving replenishments, or refining the regional category strategy to ensure it stays on track with global benchmarks.

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

There is significant room for growth within the global HelloFresh network, which operates across 18 countries. Success in this regional role can lead to senior international category management positions or specialized leadership roles within the global sustainability department. Because the role sits at the intersection of procurement and ESG, you will develop a versatile skillset that is increasingly in demand. High-visibility projects, such as leading a regional transition to renewable energy, provide a platform to show leadership skills to executive stakeholders.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with the Senior International Category Manager and the broader procurement team to align local actions with global strategies. You will also serve as a key point of contact for external packaging suppliers and waste management partners. Internally, you will collaborate with Operations and Logistics teams in Australia and New Zealand to implement sustainability projects on the ground. You will also engage with the Global Sustainability team to report on regional progress and share best practices across the HelloFresh group.

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