Packaging & Merchandising Executive

About OWN

OWN (Only Whats Needed) is a people-led food and nutrition brand built on a simple idea: make the truth visible. We build products with fewer, better ingredients, and we make the proof (whats inside, why its inside, whats tested, how to verify) available in public.

Were not building a marketing brand. Were building a movement where building with the public wins.

About the Role

Were looking for a hands-on Packaging & Merchandising Executive with 24 years of experience in flexible packaging (pouches/laminates, food-grade materials) and merchandising sourcing (shakers, bottles, t-shirts, kits, giveaways). This role is field-heavy and requires extensive travel for packaging trials/runs, vendor visits, and manufacturing coordination for a fast-growing protein & food brand.

Key Responsibilities

A) Packaging Development (Primary)

• Own end-to-end execution of Pouch-based packaging (stand-up pouches, zipper pouches, sachets, mono/multi-layer laminates, etc) & Rigid packaging projects.
• Coordinate & develop the optimum packaging specs: material structure, GSM, barrier properties, seal integrity, COF/slip, perforations, tear notches, zippers, spouts (if needed).
• Ensure packaging compliance wrt Food safety, Packaging migration limits, EPR compliance, COA documentation, supplier declarations, etc.
• Work with internal stakeholders (R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Design) to finalize:
• Develop dielines, managing artwork files, copy placement, batch coding placement
• pack sizes, fill weights, tolerances, and packaging SOPs
• Plan and execute packaging runs and trials at vendor/manufacturer sites:
• sealing trials, drop tests, leak tests, print checks, coding checks
• Resolve Packaging machine related challenges and ensuring quality
• document issues and drive CAPA with suppliers
• Vendor management for laminates, pouches, labels, cartons, inserts:
• develop alternates, reduce lead times, negotiate MOQs, manage timelines
• Maintain packaging BOMs, spec sheets, sample libraries, approvals, and change logs.
• Plan developments of sustainable packaging, scoops etc to ensure sustainable packaging can be launched

B) Merchandising (Secondary)

• Source and develop branded merchandise: shakers, sippers, protein scoops, t-shirts, gym towels, sachet kits, stickers, combo boxes, etc.
• Manage end-to-end merchandising lifecycle:
• sourcing, sampling, printing/branding method selection (screen, heat transfer, UV, emboss, etc.)
• costing, vendor negotiations, quality checks, delivery tracking
• Coordinate with marketing on campaign timelines and ensure merchandise aligns with brand and budget.

C) On-ground Execution & Travel

• Travel extensively for:
• packaging trials/runs, vendor audits, manufacturing coordination, final QC approvals
• Be the point-person to ensure what we approved is what gets delivered on the shop floor.

Required Skills & Experience (Must-Haves)

• 26 years experience in flexible packaging (pouches/laminates) for food / nutrition / FMCG.
• Strong understanding of food-grade packaging materials, basic barrier concepts (moisture/oxygen), and practical on-ground packaging execution.
• Experience coordinating with packaging converters, printers, laminate suppliers, and manufacturing plants.
• Comfortable with merchandise sourcing and vendor management (freebies, kits, branded items).
• Highly organized: can manage multiple SKUs, vendors, samples, timelines without drops.
• Willingness to travel extensively (non-negotiable).

Good-to-Haves

• Exposure to FSSAI labeling requirements and artwork compliance checks.
• Experience with Amazon/e-commerce packaging considerations (damage prevention, unboxing experience).
• Basic understanding of QA checks (seal strength, leakage, print rub resistance, barcode scannability).

Traits Were Looking For

• Entrepreneurial mindset, ownership mindset & a strong eye for detail
• Comfortable in factories and vendor sites; not a desk-only role
• Ability to negotiate & independently take charge

Reporting & Location

• Team: Packaging / Operations (with cross-functional work with Marketing + Supply Chain + Quality)
• Location: Thane
• Travel: High / Frequent (3060%+) depending on launches and runs