Packaging production manager

Packaging production managers define and analyse package units in order to avoid damages or loss of quality of the goods packed. They also design the packaging according the specifications of the product and offer solutions to solve packaging problems.

The following job titles also refer to packaging production manager:

packaging consultant
packaging technologist
senior operations manager
trainee operations manager
packaging manager
assistant packaging manager
graduate packaging manager
senior mail and packaging manager
assistant mail and packaging manager
packaging production engineer
trainee mail and packaging manager
assistant operations manager
technical packaging manager
packaging development manager
senior packaging technologist
trainee packaging manager
graduate mail and packaging manager
graduate operations manager
packaging specialist
senior packaging manager

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as packaging production manager. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Packaging production manager is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to packaging production manager.

food and beverage packaging technologist
rail project engineer
brand manager
packing machinery engineer
railway station manager

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of packaging production manager. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of packaging production manager with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of packaging production manager.

Production processes: Materials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.
Types of packaging materials: Properties of materials that make them suitable for packaging. Conversion of raw materials into packaging materials. Different types of labels and materials used which comply with the correct storage criteria depending on the goods.
Packaging functions: Functions and role of packaging in modern society. Structure of the packaging supply chain and the relation between packaging and marketing.
Packaging processes: Packaging design and development. Decorating and printing processes executed in packaging. Packaging machinery and line operations.

These skills are necessary for the role of packaging production manager.

Provide technical documentation: Prepare documentation for existing and upcoming products or services, describing their functionality and composition in such a way that it is understandable for a wide audience without technical background and compliant with defined requirements and standards. Keep documentation up to date.
Demonstrate proficiency in packaging standards: Work in accordance with the latest developments in domestic and international packaging standards and procedures.
Design package: Develop and design the form and structure of a product’s package.
Maintain relationship with customers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with customers in order to ensure satisfaction and fidelity by providing accurate and friendly advice and support, by delivering quality products and services and by supplying after-sales information and service.
Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
Maintain relationship with suppliers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.
Comply with legal regulations: Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
Promote sustainable packaging: Apply safe and healthy packaging policies; maximise the use of recycled or renewable source materials; implement clean production technologies.
Ensure quality control in packaging: Implement and monitor activities so that all requirements of packing procedures and packing standards are met at all times.
Conduct detailed evaluation of quality standards: Evaluate the production, quality or packaging of goods in great detail in order to ensure compliance with the quality standards of the producer.
Comprehend financial business terminology: Grasp the meaning of basic financial concepts and terms used in businesses and financial institutions or organisations.
Test package: Test and measure characteristics of packaging materials.
Apply safety management: Apply and supervise measures and regulations concerning security and safety in order to maintain a safe environment in the workplace.
Identify innovative concepts in packaging: Develop creative ideas for materials, packaging formats and printing technologies.
Plan new packaging designs: Come up with new ideas concerning the size, shape and colour of packaging.
Maintain financial records: Keep track of and finalise all formal documents representing the financial transactions of a business or project.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of packaging production manager. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Employment law: The law which mediates the relationship between employees and employers. It concerns employees’ rights at work which are binding by the work contract.
Teamwork principles: The cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.
Packaging engineering: The processes of packaging or protecting products for distribution, storage and sale.
International import export regulations: Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of packaging production manager. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
Monitor packaging operations: Observe and supervise the packaging operations undertaken by the workers for compliance to production requirements. Check products for proper packaging such as labelling and date coding in order to ensure appropriate and safe transportation.
Approve packaging design: Give consent for new packaging models to be released.
Use cad software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

2141 – Industrial and production engineers

 

 

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References

1. Packaging production manager – ESCO