Packaging Optimisation Specialist

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Packaging Optimisation Specialist to join our team in Cape Town

We are a young, dynamic, hyper growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market related, Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs, a great work environment and a promise that you won’t be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

This position reports to the : National Planning & Procurement Manager

Your responsibilities will include:

• Create a long-term plan (2–3 years) for improving how Takealot packages products, aligned with the company's growth, cost-saving, and environmental goals.
• Look at what global e-commerce leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba, and Jumia are doing with packaging, and bring the best ideas to Takealot.
• Set clear packaging goals (KPIs) for the whole company and report progress to senior management.
• Build a system to track key packaging data — parcel sizes, how well boxes are filled, how much material is used, damage rates, and cost per parcel.
• Analyse order and product data to figure out the best box sizes and reduce wasted space in parcels.
• Use data to predict how much packaging material will be needed, so the warehouse doesn't run out or overstock.
• Study how packing stations work — watch how long tasks take and where delays happen — to find ways to speed things up and make the work easier for staff.
• Create standard packaging instructions that all Takealot warehouses follow, so every parcel is packed the same way.
• Use proven improvement methods (like 5S and Kaizen) to make the packing process faster, cleaner, and more efficient.
• Find and test new packaging technologies, including:
• Machines that make custom-sized boxes on the spot (Cross boarder Merchants)
• Automated systems that fill empty space in parcels/ Void fill innovations
• Smart packaging with tracking chips (RFID/NFC)
• Liquid protection packaging solutions Cheaper and sustainable packaging for Returns to Merchants Dark store packaging material types and 
• Run structured trials for new ideas — with a clear plan, success measures, and a decision on whether to roll them out or not.
• Keep a list of upcoming packaging innovations and report progress every quarter to the innovation committee.
• Category Management: Work with product teams to understand what different items need — fragile products, electronics, groceries, or large items.
• Supplier Relations & Procurement: Manage relationships with packaging suppliers, negotiate prices, and make sure there's always enough stock.
• Logistics & Last-Mile: Make sure packaging choices work well with delivery vehicles and courier size and weight limits.
• Customer Experience: Keep an eye on customer feedback about packaging and use it to improve.
• Engineering & Facilities: Work with the warehouse team on how packing stations are laid out and how new machines fit in.
• Keep a list of approved packaging suppliers and regularly check how they perform on quality, delivery time, pricing, and sustainability.
• Meet with suppliers regularly to review their performance and address any issues.
• Look for local South African packaging manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports and support local industry.
• Reduce the amount of single-use plastic, filler materials, and overall waste in packaging.
• Test eco-friendly alternatives — like biodegradable, compostable, recycled, or reusable packaging — that work in South Africa.
• Make sure Takealot follows South African environmental regulations (EPR) and contribute to the company's sustainability reports.
• Work with the sustainability team to measure the carbon footprint of each parcel and set targets to bring it down

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Science,  or a related field
• 5–7 years' experience in packaging engineering, fulfilment operations, continuous improvement, or supply chain optimisation.
• Proven track record of leading cost-reduction or sustainability programmes with measurable, documented results.
• Strong analytical capability — proficiency in SQL, Excel/Google Sheets, and at least one BI tool (Power BI, Tableau, Looker).
• Experience with lean methodology and process-improvement frameworks (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a strong plus).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and present to senior leadership.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the warehouse floor — this is not a desk-only role.
• Background working within digital marketplaces, large-scale retail logistics, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.
• Knowledge of robotic systems and advanced mechanical packaging automation.

Attributes Required:

• Packaging Knowledge: Strong understanding of packaging materials, box design, void-fill options, and protective packaging solutions across different product categories.
• Data Analysis: Ability to work with large datasets — using SQL, Excel, and BI tools (Looker, Power BI, Tableau) to analyse packaging performance and find improvement opportunities.
• Process Improvement: Practical experience with lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, value-stream mapping, and time-and-motion studies.
• Project Management: Ability to run structured pilots and projects from idea through to rollout — planning, tracking milestones, managing budgets, and reporting results.
• Supplier Management: Experience managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and tracking supplier performance against agreed standards.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Understanding of eco-friendly packaging materials, recycling standards, EPR regulations, and carbon footprint measurement.
• Technology Awareness: Familiarity with packaging automation, on-demand box-making machines, and smart packaging technologies.
• Problem-Solving: Able to break down complex operational problems, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions that work on the warehouse floor.
• Stakeholder Influence: Able to build relationships across multiple teams — operations, procurement, logistics, category, and sustainability — and get buy-in for new ideas.
• Hands-On Mindset: Comfortable spending time on the warehouse floor observing processes, testing materials, and working alongside packing teams. This is not a desk-only role.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to see the big picture — where packaging fits into Takealot's long-term goals — while also delivering short-term cost savings.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced e-commerce environment where order volumes, product ranges, and priorities change quickly.
• Communication: Able to present complex data and ideas clearly to senior leadership, and explain packaging standards simply to warehouse teams.
• Ownership: Takes full responsibility for outcomes — from identifying an opportunity to implementing the solution and measuring the results.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands the cost implications of packaging decisions and how they affect the bottom line, courier costs, and customer experience.