Packaging Optimization Lead

Zuellig Pharma is a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, and our purpose is tomake healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve. We provideworld-class distribution, digital, and commercial services to support thegrowing healthcare needs in this region.

The company was started a hundred years ago and hasgrown to become a multibillion-dollar business covering 17 markets with over12,000 employees. Our people serve more than 200,000 medical facilities andwork with over 450 clients, including the top 20 pharmaceutical companies inthe world.

Purpose of the Role:

The Packaging Optimization Lead is a dedicated specialist hire — thegroup’s subject-matter expert across all packaging formats, solutions, andtechnologies — created to bring that spend, and the operations behind it, undercoherent technical ownership.

This is a lean, high-impact role designed to act as a force multiplieracross multiple business units and markets. The Lead develops solutionproposals, defines specifications, and evaluates vendors, enabling GroupProcurement to execute from a position of technical expertise.

The mandate spans standardization, packaging automation,distribution-centre (DC) space recovery, freight (dimensional weight)efficiency, and forward-looking regulatory and sustainability readiness.

What You’ll Do:

• Standards & specification
• Developand maintain a Group Packaging Standards Framework adopted across all markets.
• Definepackaging specifications across formats and drive carton-range rationalizationto reduce the active size range.
• Establishand own KPI baselines — cost per pack, void fill, DIM weight, damage rates, andstorage footprint.

• Automation &optimization
• Identify,scope, and lead evaluation of automated packaging solutions at priority DCs —carton right-sizing and auto-erect, on-demand box cutting, automatedtape & seal, strapping and bundling, and print-and-applylabelling.
• Facilitatecompletion full SKU analysis incorporating order & bundling profiles todevelop engineered optimized packaging solutions with a focus on productquality; 100% recyclability of materials used; returnable packaging and closedloop material handling unit opportunities, cubic utilization / minimisation andoverall packaging costs reductions.
• Drivevoid-fill elimination through fitted inserts and no-void formats, usingright-sizing as the primary lever.
• Buildindividual capex business cases for automation, validated before deploymentthrough existing capital and procurement governance.

• DC space &inventory
• Quantifythe packaging storage footprint and lead initiatives to reclaim DC floor spacefor client inventory and cold-chain capacity.
• Collaboratewith procurement on just-in-time (JIT) delivery and supplier-managed inventory(VMI) to reduce on-site packaging stock.

• Freight &dimensional weight
• ImplementDIM-weight optimization on outbound freight, prioritising air and expresscold-chain lanes for immediate cost reduction.

• Supplier &commercial enablement
• Developsolution proposals, specifications, and vendor evaluations that enable GroupProcurement to consolidate volume and negotiate from technical strength.
• Supportpreferred-supplier agreements that deliver measurable unit-cost reduction andworking-capital improvement.

• Compliance,sustainability & foresight
• Establisha regulatory-foresight function covering EPR tracking, labelling requirements,plastic-levy monitoring, and recycled-content mandates.
• SupportESG reporting and circular-economy targets in partnership with theSustainability function.

• Data, analytics& reporting
• Buildthe baseline data infrastructure to track packaging performance in a singleview, progressing toward analytics, AI-assisted design and material selection,and digital-twin simulation.
• ReportROI and savings against baseline to Finance and the Group Head of Distribution.

What will make you successful:

Must-Have:

• Degree in packaging engineering, mechanical /industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related discipline — or equivalentpractical experience.
• Familiarity with packaging-related regulation(EPR, labelling, recycled-content mandates) and sustainability reporting is anadvantage
• Substantial experience (typically 8+ years)in packaging engineering, logistics engineering, or supply-chain operations,ideally within pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other regulated or high-volumedistribution environments.
• Demonstrated track record deploying packagingautomation — e.g. carton right-sizing / auto-erect, on-demand box cutting,automated case sealing, or print-and-apply labelling.
• Hands-on knowledge of packaging materials andformats: corrugate, void fill, tape and seals, pallet wrap, and cold-chainpackaging.
• Experience developing specifications andevaluating vendors, and building capex / ROI business cases for operationalinvestment.
• Multi-market experience across Asia-Pacificand comfort operating in a matrixed, multi-stakeholder organisation.

Advantage to Have:

• Influence without authority — able to drivechange across business units in a role that enables rather than executesprocurement and capex.
• Analytical rigour — sets baselines,quantifies opportunity, and validates impact with data.
• Commercial acumen — connects technicaldecisions to material, freight, working-capital, and space-related value.
• Regulatory Compliance - Pharma GxPregulations regarding documentation. Process Discipline - Commitment to standards
• Ability to understand, connect with and workacross multiple cultures
• Strong written and verbal communication; ableto produce board-ready business cases and clear specifications.
• Willingness to travel across APAC markets foraudits, pilots, and DC site work.

What we offer :

• We are committed to fostering aninclusive environment where our employees can learn, grow, and achieve sharedsuccess.
• We champion diversity, equity, andinclusion, ensuring every individual feels valued, respected, and treatedfairly.
• As a leading multi-market healthcaresolutions provider, we empower our employees to gain comprehensive knowledgeand expertise in the dynamic healthcare industry across the region.
• Enjoy the flexibility to effectivelybalance your work and personal life while taking charge of your career journeythrough our empowering growth opportunities.
• Our Total Rewards program is designedto support your overall well-being in every aspect.