R&D Packaging Manager

Come join our Amsterdam based Innovation department as our new R&D Packaging Manager and contribute to Rituals’ success by developing packaging solutions.

We are growing rapidly worldwide, which means our team is expanding. As a R&D Packaging Manager, you’ll play a vital role in bringing our iconic rituals to life through packaging that is as thoughtful and beautiful as the products inside. 

You will lead the development of packaging from early-stage technical feasibility till validation, balancing aesthetics with compliance, sustainability and performance. You’ll play a key role in driving our Net Zero ambitions; conducting Life Cycle Assessments, ensuring recyclability, and staying ahead of evolving regulations.

You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to identify new materials, challenge the status quo, and shape the direction of packaging innovation within Rituals. Your expertise will inspire teams and suppliers alike, and your strategic mindset will help define the packaging of tomorrow.

Your role:

As a R&D Packaging Manager, you are a strategic connector; translating long-term vision into innovative, sustainable, and technically packaging solutions. You lead across product categorie(s) and play a pivotal role in shaping how Rituals’ products come to life: elegantly, responsibly, and ready for the future.

You will:

• Steer the technical development of high-impact packaging concepts, guiding them from early-stage feasibility to scalable implementation across multiple categories.
• Lead sustainability-driven initiatives, including Life Cycle Assessments, recyclability studies, and regulatory compliance, in alignment with Rituals’ Net Zero ambitions.
• Represent Rituals in strategic external partnerships, contributing to R&D discussions with suppliers and industry experts to shape the future of packaging.
• Translate evolving legislation (e.g., PPWR) into clear development guidelines, ensuring our packaging is both compliant and forward-thinking.
• Drive innovation pipelines, identifying and testing new materials and technologies, and turning insights into multi-year innovation plans.
• Act as a thought leader and mentor, sharing best practices and technical expertise across teams and helping internal stakeholders elevate their packaging knowledge.
• Manage packaging development projects end-to-end, ensuring cross-functional alignment, cost-efficiency, and excellence in execution.
• Foster a strong internal and external network, enabling smooth collaboration, agile development, and a robust foundation for future innovation.

High on energy, low on ego and with a of little bit humour. 

• You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging, Industrial Design Engineering, Material Chemistry or a related field.
• You have 6–8 years of relevant experience in Packaging R&D, ideally within cosmetics, personal care, home/air care, or detergents.
• You're familiar with New Product Development (NPD) processes in FMCG or cosmetics
• Deep knowledge of packaging materials, production technologies, and sustainability frameworks.
• You’re familiar with mold development process, either for plastics and/or glass manufacturing.
• Experience in early-stage packaging development and technical briefing.
• Familiarity with packaging legislation (e.g. PPWR), circular design, and LCA tools.
• A proactive, detail-focused mindset with strong project management skills.
• You have a strong personality with excellent communication & persuasion skills
• You are savvy, accurate and persuasive.
• Ideally you have experience with data-driven development tools (e.g., Power BI, Power Query for Excel).
• Fluent in English (verbal and written communication).
• You are keen to be the best in class. You are flexible, you enjoy making things better every day and you are a team player who thrives within a dynamic and fast-growing company. 

Grow with us! The next steps are:

• Please apply via our career site
• Our recruiter, Peter Swinkels, will contact you within 10 working days
• An introductory meeting with a team member and the hiring manager follows
• An online assessment and business case to prepare for the second interview
• A second interview
• In the event of a positive outcome, you will receive a proposal with the terms of employment

Acquisition is not appreciated. Please note that applications via email are not considered.