Refresco Australia Pty Ltd – Condell Park NSW
Competitive salary + super | Permanent full-time
Growing role with broad business impact | FMCG beverage manufacturing
Packaging innovation | Sustainability | Product development
About the Company
Refresco is the world's largest independent beverage manufacturer, producing over 12 billion litres annually across 75 global sites. Our facilities manufacture high-quality juices and soft drinks for Australia's leading retail brands, helping shape the future of sustainable beverage production.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Packaging Specialist to join our Technical/NPD Commercialisation team. This role is responsible for driving packaging innovation, documentation, optimisation, sustainability initiatives, and technical governance across our beverage portfolio.
Working closely with Operations, Quality, Commercial, Procurement, Innovation, and external packaging suppliers, you'll play a key role in new product development, packaging performance improvement, cost optimisation projects, and compliance requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded packaging professional who enjoys balancing hands‑on project work with strategic packaging development.
Duties
Own and maintain the packaging specification library, driving standardisation and centralised document control
Support new product development activities including packaging trials, carton sizing, material selection, and specification development
Manage packaging workflows within the new product development systems for new materials and product launches
Lead packaging cost optimisation projects, including lightweighting, shrink reduction, and specification simplification initiatives
Investigate and resolve packaging performance issues relating to transport performance, line performance, and supplier/customer quality concerns
Identify and implement packaging optimisation opportunities to improve production efficiency and packaging reliability
Support sustainability initiatives including rPET implementation, recyclability improvements, and APCO compliance activities
Manage Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) implementation and maintenance programs
Coordinate Container Deposit Scheme registrations and ongoing compliance requirements
Oversee GS1 barcode verification and product image management workflows
Act as the primary technical interface with packaging suppliers and support cross-functional stakeholder engagement
Develop packaging standards, line capability documentation, performance testing methodologies, and technical procedures
Skills & Experience
Tertiary qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Demonstrated experience within packaging development, packaging technology, or packaging engineering in FMCG manufacturing
Strong understanding of packaging materials including PET, rPET, HDPE, closures, corrugate, labels and shrink films
Experience supporting new product development and commercialisation projects
Knowledge of packaging sustainability frameworks, recyclability requirements, and circular economy principles
Experience working with packaging suppliers, converters, and packaging manufacturers
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives
Working knowledge of GS1 standards, ARL requirements, and Container Deposit Schemes desirable
Excellent stakeholder management and project coordination skills
Culture
At Refresco, the products you help develop go directly onto supermarket shelves across Australia. You'll work in a collaborative environment where innovation, continuous improvement, safety, and sustainability are highly valued. This role offers the opportunity to influence packaging strategy while delivering tangible improvements across our manufacturing operations.
Permanent full-time role with a global beverage manufacturer
Opportunity to lead packaging innovation and sustainability initiatives
Exposure to major retail and beverage brands
Collaborative technical team environment
On-the-job development and career growth opportunities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
On-site parking
PPE provided where required
Pre-employment medical assessment applicable to the role
And many more, available upon commencement of employment.
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Packaging Specialist in Sydney employer: Refresco Australia Pty Ltd
Refresco Australia Pty Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Condell Park site where collaboration and comfort are prioritised. Employees benefit from career growth opportunities in a fast-paced FMCG setting, alongside a supportive team culture that values safety and inclusivity. With regular food-focused events and a commitment to employee development, working here means being part of a global leader in beverage manufacturing, where your contributions truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
Refresco Australia Pty Ltd Recruitment Team
