The SunRice Group is an Australian ASX-listed branded food group, comprising multiple businesses, assets and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the United States, The Pacific Islands and Asia. SunRice was built by the Australian rice industry over many decades and today is one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, with approximately 2,000 employees and operations in 11 countries.
SunRice is a great place to work, providing a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference.
About the role
The Packaging Manager plays a key role in shaping how our products show up in the world. This role owns the full packaging journey – from ideation through prototyping, testing, line trials and final launch. It blends creativity with technical problem solving, hands‑on experimentation with big‑picture thinking, and collaboration with real‑world execution on the factory floor.
You’ll work closely with teams across R&D, Operations, Marketing, Quality, Procurement and suppliers to bring packaging ideas to life. Every day is a mix of building, testing, refining and championing packaging solutions that are practical, innovative and production‑ready.
Key responsibilities will include:
Leading packaging projects from concept all the way to commercial success – including ideation, prototypes, mock-ups and hands-on trialling.
Developing clear, accurate and robust packaging specifications ensuring all packaging meets regulatory, safety and quality expectations.
Planning and executing packaging tests, line trials, and experiments, to evaluate and qualify the packaging solutions.
Solving technical challenges with curiosity, creativity and a practical mindset.
Partnering with multi-functional teams by using data, analysis and root-cause thinking to fine-tune packaging processes and support troubleshooting.
Working closely with suppliers to drive innovation and ensure materials be fit for purpose.
Keeping stakeholders aligned with clear communication, regular updates and thoughtful risk management.
Championing packaging best practices, new ideas and smarter ways of working across the business
Develop technical solutions and lead projects to support SunRice’s Sustainable Packaging Strategy and lead APCO reporting.
About You
You’re hands‑on, solutions‑focused and energised by the blend of technical detail and creative problem‑solving. You know how to get things done, work well with others and bring a calm, collaborative presence to project work. You enjoy rolling up your sleeves just as much as leading others through a complex brief.
5+ years’ experience in packaging development (preferred), engineering operations or technical packaging leadership within the FMCG industry.
A hands‑on approach - you enjoy building, testing, experimenting and iterating.
The ability to turn ideas into clear, accurate packaging specifications and technical documents.
Confidence in running experiments, analysing results and making informed decisions.
A solid understanding of packaging materials, processes and what it takes to run smoothly on a production line.
Proven experience running line trials and translating learnings into practical solutions.
Strong project leadership skills - organised, dependable, and able to juggle multiple deadlines.
Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to work seamlessly across teams.
A collaborative, people‑centric approach that builds trust and drives great outcomes.
Analytical thinking paired with a practical, commercially savvy mindset.
Experience working with suppliers and navigating technical requirements.
Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering, Packaging Technology, Materials Science or a related field.
Mastery in ANZ Sustainable Package Design, PREP assessments & ARL labelling
What’s in it for you
At SunRice Group, we believe great work starts with feeling supported, valued and inspired. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth and everyday life.
SunRice Product Allowance: Take home a taste of what we do best. You’ll receive a weekly allowance of SunRice Group products, so you can enjoy and share the food we’re proud to make.
Leave: Enjoy competitive leave benefits, including volunteer leave and the option to purchase additional leave when you need extra flexibility.
Wellness Reimbursement: Your wellbeing matters. Twice a year, you’ll be reimbursed for fitness memberships or other health and wellbeing initiatives that help you feel your best
If you thrive in hands‑on environments and want your contribution to truly influence how we deliver quality packaging, this opportunity is for you.
All correspondence will be dealt with in strict confidence.
SunRice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SunRice will consider qualified applicants for employment based on their merit, individual skills, qualifications and other appropriate criteria relevant to the role for which they are applying.
