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Global Packaging Sustainability Expert

Signify • Netherlands • Added on Jul 12, 2026
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You will take ownership of the global packaging sustainability strategy for the world leader in lighting. This role focus on navigating the complex landscape of international regulations like PPWR and EPR while driving the internal transition toward a circular economy. You will bridge the gap between high-level legislative requirements and practical engineering solutions across primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging portfolios.

Working at Signify means influencing a supply chain of immense scale. By optimizing packaging design and materials, you directly contribute to reducing plastic waste and lowering the carbon footprint of millions of products worldwide. Your work ensures that the company stays ahead of environmental legislation, transforming compliance into a competitive advantage and a driver for sustainable innovation.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical knowledge of packaging engineering and at least eight years of experience. You should be a proactive program manager capable of influencing cross-functional teams in a multicultural corporate environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core mission involves spearheading the global packaging sustainability agenda, ensuring that all lighting products comply with evolving international standards. You will lead the end-to-end readiness plan for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), interpreting complex implementing acts and translating them into actionable internal requirements for engineering and supply chain teams. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting and tracking legislative developments across more than 70 markets. You will also initiate and oversee packaging redesign projects aimed at reducing material usage and enhancing recyclability, thereby minimizing environmental impact and financial exposure to eco-modulated fees.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled expertise in the operationalization of the Circular Economy within a massive global manufacturing context. You will be at the forefront of legislative interpretation, learning how to navigate the first waves of PPWR enforcement, which is currently shaping the future of European industry standards. Furthermore, you will develop a high degree of cross-functional leadership by working with diverse departments such as R&D, Procurement, and Legal. The position offers deep exposure to global supply chain logistics and the opportunity to become a recognized authority on sustainable materials and waste legislation within the electronics sector.

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

The ideal candidate is a packaging specialist with a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging or Industrial Engineering and at least eight years of professional experience. Superior knowledge of sustainable material science and end-of-life processing is essential, alongside a proven track record of managing complex compliance projects. You should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders who may have competing priorities. A meticulous eye for detail is required to maintain compliance trackers across a vast portfolio, while a strategic mindset is needed to align these details with Signify's broader corporate sustainability goals.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability interest and highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented EPR or circularity improvements in a large-scale industrial setting. Demonstrate your ability to quantify the impact of packaging changes, whether through cost savings or carbon footprint reductions. It is highly recommended to mention your familiarity with digital tools for compliance tracking and your approach to managing the transition from traditional plastics to alternative materials. Showing that you understand the technical trade-offs between packaging durability and sustainability will prove you are ready for a senior expert role.

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

The role is a cornerstone of the company's 'Brighter Lives, Better World' program, specifically focusing on the circularity pillar. You will likely focus on eliminating non-recyclable materials and increasing the recycled content in all lighting packaging. Additionally, there is a strong focus on regulatory risk management. By ensuring the company meets stringent European standards early, you help the brand maintain its EcoVadis Platinum status and its leadership in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index by proving that sustainability is integrated into the product lifecycle.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the harmonization of global standards across 70 different markets. Packaging laws are fragmenting rapidly, and what is compliant in one region may fail in another, requiring a sophisticated and flexible global strategy. You may also face internal resistance when balancing sustainability with cost-efficiency and logistical protection. Convincing manufacturing leads to adopt new materials that might require equipment adjustments or higher upfront costs will require high-level negotiation and a solid data-driven business case.

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

A typical day might begin with a legislative briefing to review new updates on PPWR implementing acts, followed by a meeting with the R&D team to review prototypes for a new circular packaging design. You would then coordinate with global reporting leads to ensure EPR data is accurate and ready for submission. Afternoons are often spent on strategic program management, such as updating the global compliance roadmap or benchmarking Signify’s packaging performance against industry peers. You will likely end the day by providing technical guidance to a local market team on specific recycled-content requirements.

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

Signify provides a clear path for professional development through global exposure and mentorship. As an expert leader, you could eventually move into broader circular economy leadership roles or senior management positions within the Sustainability or Supply Chain departments. The high visibility of the PPWR compliance program means your successes will be recognized at an executive level. This position places you in a strategic niche where your skills in navigating the intersection of environmental law and engineering will be in extremely high demand across the global job market.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact heavily with R&D and Product Design teams to implement sustainable material choices at the source. On the compliance side, you will work closely with Legal and Regulatory Affairs to ensure that the company's interpretations of new laws are robust. Other key stakeholders include Procurement and Supply Chain managers who manage the relationships with packaging suppliers, and the Global Sustainability Team to align packaging data with corporate ESG reporting. Occasionally, you may engage with external Industry Associations to stay informed on collective advocacy and benchmarking.

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