Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves leading packaging development and optimization projects with a heavy emphasis on group-wide digitalization initiatives. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of smart packaging tools, from conceptualization to full-scale implementation. Beyond project management, you will analyze business processes and system requirements to develop future-proof strategies. This includes performing recyclability assessments, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that all packaging data is processed accurately for reporting and optimization purposes.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the intersection of IT architecture and circular economy , specifically regarding how PLM systems and digital twins can track material lifecycles. Exposure to group-wide digital transformation strategies within the Schwarz Group provides a unique learning curve in large-scale sustainability operations. Additionally, you will enhance your skills in agile methodologies like SCRUM and deepen your knowledge of international waste regulations and recyclability standards, positioning yourself as a specialized expert in the evolving field of sustainable resource management.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Packaging Technology, Environmental Engineering, or Material Science . Several years of professional experience as a packaging engineer or in a similar role involving sustainable optimization and IT-driven projects are essential. Technical proficiency in PLM systems, JIRA, and Confluence is highly valued, as is a strong understanding of legal requirements surrounding packaging waste. Being fluent in both German and English is mandatory for collaborating across international sites and managing diverse stakeholder groups.

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

This role is a central pillar of the company's circular economy strategy . It focuses specifically on 'Design for Recycling' by using digital tools to assess and improve the material cycle of packaging portfolios. By optimizing how packaging data is managed, you directly support decarbonization efforts across the value chain. Your work ensures that resources remain in the loop longer, reducing the ecological footprint of both the company's clients and the wider industrial sector.

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

One of the primary challenges will be navigating the complexity of diverse stakeholder interests , ranging from technical engineers to commercial department heads, while maintaining a unified digital strategy. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly changing packaging legislation and translating these rules into software requirements requires constant vigilance and the ability to adapt project scopes quickly without losing site of long-term sustainability goals.

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

A typical day might begin with a SCRUM stand-up to coordinate current digitalization sprints, followed by a meeting with IT architects to refine packaging tool functionalities. You might then shift to analyzing a specific client's packaging portfolio for recyclability improvements. Afternoons are often spent on stakeholder management —perhaps presenting project progress to management or conducting a training session for internal teams on new specification management systems and relevant environmental guidelines.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with IT and software development teams to build packaging tools, as well as with Packaging Engineers and Supply Chain Managers to ensure technical feasibility. External interactions include customers and municipal partners for whom you provide expert consulting. Internally, you will report to senior management and collaborate with EHS and compliance officers to align digitalization projects with corporate sustainability targets.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The core of this role involves leading packaging development and optimization projects with a heavy emphasis on group-wide digitalization initiatives. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of smart packaging tools, from conceptualization to full-scale implementation. Beyond project management, you will analyze business processes and system requirements to develop future-proof strategies. This includes performing recyclability assessments, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that all packaging data is processed accurately for reporting and optimization purposes.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

You will gain deep expertise in the intersection of IT architecture and circular economy, specifically regarding how PLM systems and digital twins can track material lifecycles. Exposure to group-wide digital transformation strategies within the Schwarz Group provides a unique learning curve in large-scale sustainability operations. Additionally, you will enhance your skills in agile methodologies like SCRUM and deepen your knowledge of international waste regulations and recyclability standards, positioning yourself as a specialized expert in the evolving field of sustainable resource management.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Packaging Technology, Environmental Engineering, or Material Science. Several years of professional experience as a packaging engineer or in a similar role involving sustainable optimization and IT-driven projects are essential. Technical proficiency in PLM systems, JIRA, and Confluence is highly valued, as is a strong understanding of legal requirements surrounding packaging waste. Being fluent in both German and English is mandatory for collaborating across international sites and managing diverse stakeholder groups.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

Focus your application on specific examples where you have successfully bridged the gap between technical packaging constraints and digital system requirements. Highlighting your experience with agile project management will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexity of group-wide initiatives. Since this role involves advisory tasks, emphasize your ability to translate complex technical data into actionable insights for customers. Demonstrating a proactive mindset regarding upcoming EU packaging regulations will further signal your readiness for this strategic position.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

This role is a central pillar of the company's circular economy strategy. It focuses specifically on 'Design for Recycling' by using digital tools to assess and improve the material cycle of packaging portfolios. By optimizing how packaging data is managed, you directly support decarbonization efforts across the value chain. Your work ensures that resources remain in the loop longer, reducing the ecological footprint of both the company's clients and the wider industrial sector.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be navigating the complexity of diverse stakeholder interests, ranging from technical engineers to commercial department heads, while maintaining a unified digital strategy. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly changing packaging legislation and translating these rules into software requirements requires constant vigilance and the ability to adapt project scopes quickly without losing site of long-term sustainability goals.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a SCRUM stand-up to coordinate current digitalization sprints, followed by a meeting with IT architects to refine packaging tool functionalities. You might then shift to analyzing a specific client's packaging portfolio for recyclability improvements. Afternoons are often spent on stakeholder management—perhaps presenting project progress to management or conducting a training session for internal teams on new specification management systems and relevant environmental guidelines.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Within a large organization like PreZero and the broader Schwarz Group, there are significant paths for upward mobility into strategic management or high-level technical specialist roles. You could evolve into a lead role for global digital circularity. The cross-functional nature of the role also allows for lateral movement into procurement, supply chain strategy, or specialized environmental compliance leadership, depending on your professional interests and the projects you spearhead.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact frequently with IT and software development teams to build packaging tools, as well as with Packaging Engineers and Supply Chain Managers to ensure technical feasibility. External interactions include customers and municipal partners for whom you provide expert consulting. Internally, you will report to senior management and collaborate with EHS and compliance officers to align digitalization projects with corporate sustainability targets.

Projektmanager Sustainable Packaging Digitalization

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