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Packaging Specialist (Sustainability)

Woolworths Group International • Hong Kong • Added on Aug 24, 2026
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As a Packaging Specialist focused on sustainability, you will serve as the technical bridge between global sourcing teams and international suppliers. You will manage the day-to-day assessment of packaging claims, ensuring that every box, wrapper, and container meets strict environmental standards. Your work involves auditing physical packaging, optimizing material weight, and advising on the integration of recycled content to reduce the footprint of thousands of retail products.

This role is crucial because it directly translates high-level corporate environmental targets into tangible product changes for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest retailers. By driving innovations in circular economy principles and material efficiency, you help eliminate problematic plastics and waste from a massive global supply chain, creating a measurable impact on the health of our oceans and ecosystems.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical understanding of FMCG packaging materials and the commercial savvy to influence suppliers across different regions. You should be a bilingual communicator who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves managing sustainable packaging claims and technical assessments across a diverse product range. You will act as the primary technical advisor for the Group, ensuring that all claims made by suppliers are validated and meet both internal and regulatory standards. Beyond validation, you will drive material innovation by identifying cost-effective alternatives to traditional plastics. This includes size optimization, lightweighting, and shifting toward materials with high recycled content while ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose for the retail environment.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain significant exposure to the Australian and New Zealand regulatory landscapes, which are currently at the forefront of packaging waste legislation. This provides a unique vantage point on how global retail giants adapt to shifting environmental policies. Additionally, you will deepen your expertise in sustainable material science and manufacturing processes. Working within a large international group offers a chance to see how sustainability strategies are scaled across complex, cross-border supply chains.

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

The ideal candidate brings a background in FMCG or retail packaging, with a specific focus on structural formats and material sustainability. You should be familiar with common manufacturing processes and how they impact the carbon footprint of a finished product. Strong communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. This linguistic flexibility allows you to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and factory-floor realities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, focus your application on quantifiable impact you have had in previous roles, such as percentages of plastic reduced or specific material transitions you led. Woolworths values commercial acumen, so demonstrate how you balanced sustainability goals with cost-efficiency. Preparation for the interview should include a review of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) guidelines, as the role heavily supports the Australia and New Zealand markets. Showing you understand the specific waste challenges in these regions will demonstrate your immediate value.

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

This role is deeply embedded in the circular economy pillars of the company. You will focus on the 'End of Life' of products, ensuring packaging is truly recyclable or compostable rather than just labeled as such. There is also a strong emphasis on decarbonization through efficiency. By optimizing packaging size and weight, you contribute to reducing the emissions associated with shipping and logistics throughout the global supply chain.

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

One of the primary challenges will be balancing sustainability with commercial viability. Suppliers may resist changes due to cost or technical limitations, requiring you to use your influence and technical knowledge to find middle-ground solutions. Navigating the complexity of international sourcing can also be difficult. Ensuring consistency in packaging standards across various manufacturers in different countries requires high attention to detail and rigorous follow-up.

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

A typical day involves a mix of technical reviews and stakeholder meetings. You might start your morning coordinating with the sourcing team to review new packaging prototypes, followed by an afternoon call with an international supplier to discuss material testing results. You will also spend time tracking market trends and legislative updates. Whether you are reviewing a physical sample for its recyclability or drafting guidance for the QA team, your day is centered on ensuring every piece of packaging aligns with the Group's green strategy.

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

As part of a global retail leader, there are clear paths for lateral and upward movement within the Sustainability or Quality Assurance departments. High performers often move into strategic leadership roles overseeing broader environmental initiatives. There is also the potential for global mobility. Given the Group's presence in Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia, successful specialists may find opportunities to work in different regional hubs or take on global category management roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Sourcing and QA teams to ensure packaging meets both quality and environmental standards. These internal partners rely on your technical expertise to make informed purchasing decisions. Externally, you will be the main point of contact for packaging suppliers and manufacturers. You will also collaborate with sustainability managers within the broader Woolworths Group to ensure your local efforts align with global corporate social responsibility targets.

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