Packaging Optimisation Specialist

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.