Packaging Technologist (12-month Fixed-term Contract)
Date: 30 Apr 2026
Location: Mentone, VIC, AU, 3194
Company: Simplot
In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.
Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.
Culture and Benefits
At Simplot, we are fueled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
- Respect for Resources
- Spirit of Innovation
- Passion for People
We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.
Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.
The Perks
- Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
- Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
- Employee Reward and Recognition Program
- Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance
- Sensory Club Program - Enjoy and taste our new product launches and access to our Culinary cooking sessions
- Novated Car Leasing Agreements
- Income Protection Insurance
- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
Simplot values the creativity and meaningful relationships that grow through face-to-face connection while also recognising the importance of flexibility for our team members. Our hybrid work environment includes four days in the office, with Wednesdays as our dedicated ‘Connect Day' bringing everyone together to strengthen our successful culture of innovation and collaboration.
About Our Role
As a Packaging Technologist, you will develop, validate and implement packaging solutions that support new product innovation, value improvement and sustainability initiatives. Your work ensures packaging meets functional, commercial, regulatory and sustainability requirements, while being delivered within agreed processes and timelines.
Working closely with cross‑functional teams, suppliers and manufacturing sites, you will help deliver high‑quality packaging outcomes that align with Simplot’s strategic direction.
This position is a 12-month parental leave cover based in our Chifley Park Mentone office.
What You Will Do
You’ll play a key role in delivering packaging solutions that work in real manufacturing environments, from concept through to commercialisation.
- Develop, validate and implement fit‑for‑purpose packaging solutions for new product innovation, value improvement and sustainability initiatives through a structured stage‑gate process
- Ensure packaging meets functional performance, commercial, regulatory and sustainability requirements, including material construction and disposal labelling
- Manage packaging development within agreed timelines, budgets and project metrics, proactively identifying and addressing risks or constraints
- Maintain accurate packaging specifications, artwork approvals and technical documentation across internal systems and customer portals, ensuring audit and traceability requirements are met
- Plan, attend and support packaging trials and first production runs, validating performance and preparing recommendations to support commercial launch readiness
- Provide timely technical packaging support to internal teams, assisting with customer queries, quality concerns and specification requests
- Coordinate with cross‑functional stakeholders and external suppliers to keep packaging projects progressing and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the packaging function
About You
To succeed here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment, have strong problem-solving skills, and bring:
- A tertiary qualification in Engineering or Science
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in packaging technology within an FMCG or packaging industry
- Strong hands‑on understanding of packaging materials, conversion processes, and performance on production lines
- Experience working within a structured product development or stage‑gate process
- Practical exposure to manufacturing trials or production runs, with the ability to troubleshoot packaging performance issues
- A pragmatic, detail‑driven approach, with confidence working across specifications, systems, and documentation
- Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams and external suppliers
- Experience with industrial or structural packaging design tools is advantageous, but not essential
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites, including interstate as required
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join a vibrant, diverse team where your expertise creates real impact. Apply today and help bring iconic Simplot products to life.
Applications close on Friday 29th May 2026. Simplot reserves the right to commence recruiting activity prior to the closing date.
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Job Requisition ID: 25929
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Chifley Business Park Office - Mentone
Country: Australia
Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us at careers.contact@simplot.com