R&D Packaging Manager – Body

Join our Amsterdam-based Innovation department as our new R&D Packaging Manager (Body Packaging). This is a fixed-term role for 12 months, with the potential to extend for an additional 12 months, depending on business needs. 

Rituals is growing rapidly worldwide, and our packaging needs to keep up. In this role, you will lead the technical development of packaging solutions for our Body category (think: shower foams, body creams, scrubs and more). From early feasibility till validation, you will balance aesthetics with performance, compliance, sustainability and cost. 

You will play a key role in supporting our Net Zero ambitions by driving recyclability and circular design choices, using tools such as Life Cycle Assessments, and translating evolving legislation into clear development guidelines. You will work closely with Innovation, Quality, Supply Chain and our supplier network to bring packaging improvements and innovations to scale. 

Your role 

As an R&D Packaging Manager, you translate long-term vision into technically robust, sustainable packaging solutions that can be produced consistently and launched globally. 

You will 

• Lead the technical development of Body packaging concepts from early-stage feasibility till validation and implementation, where supporting Quality in validation.
• Drive sustainability initiatives such as LCA studies, recyclability improvements and circular design choices aligned to Rituals’ Net Zero ambitions. 
• Translate evolving packaging legislation (e.g., PPWR) into practical guidelines for development and decision-making. 
• Partner with suppliers and industry experts to identify new materials, technologies and manufacturability opportunities. 
• Build and manage an innovation pipeline, turning insights into realistic multi-year development plans. 
• Manage packaging projects end-to-end, ensuring cross-functional alignment, technical quality, timelines and cost awareness. 
• Share best practices and technical expertise across teams, raising the bar on packaging knowledge and development discipline. 

• You bring strong technical judgement, a structured way of working and the ability to influence in a matrix environment. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging, Industrial Design Engineering, Materials Science/Chemistry or a related field.
• 6–8 years of relevant experience in Packaging R&D, ideally within cosmetics, personal care, home/air care or detergents.
• Experience working in FMCG-style NPD processes and cross-functional project teams.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials and production technologies (plastics and/or glass), including mould development processes.
• Experience with early-stage packaging development, technical briefing and supplier collaboration.
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability frameworks, circular design principles and LCA tools.
• Familiarity with packaging legislation (e.g., PPWR) and translating requirements into development choices.
• Strong project management skills, detail focus and clear communication in English.

Next steps 

• Apply via our career site 
• Our recruiter, Nadette Pluis, will contact you within 10 working days 
• First interview with the hiring manager and a team member 
• Online assessment and business case for the second interview 
• Second interview 
• If positive, you will receive an offer including the terms of employment