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.