PACKAGING & DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP - MIDRAND (6 MONTHS)

Prime Product Manufacturing (PPM) is one of South Africa's leading contract manufacturing businesses, delivering innovative manufacturing solutions to local and international customers across the cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, household and industrial sectors.

At Prime, we believe innovation begins with people. We are committed to developing emerging talent by providing meaningful workplace experience, exposure to world-class manufacturing practices and opportunities to build rewarding careers.

If you are passionate about packaging innovation, product development and manufacturing excellence, we invite you to join our Packaging & Development team.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Packaging & Development Intern will support the Packaging & Development team in delivering innovative, high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer, regulatory and manufacturing requirements.

This internship provides practical exposure to packaging design, product development, laboratory testing, supplier collaboration, production line trials and continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Packaging Development

• Assist with packaging development activities from concept through to commercialisation.
• Support packaging homologation processes and maintain packaging specifications.
• Assist in the evaluation of new packaging materials and components.
• Support artwork development and packaging component approvals.
• Maintain packaging documentation and technical records.

Laboratory & Testing

• Conduct routine packaging compatibility testing.
• Prepare and distribute packaging samples for internal and external evaluation.
• Assist with validation and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain packaging sample storage and testing records.

Manufacturing Support

• Participate in packaging line trials and first production runs.
• Support investigations into packaging-related quality issues.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Monitor packaging performance during production.

Supplier Collaboration

• Liaise with packaging suppliers regarding technical specifications.
• Assist suppliers in resolving packaging quality concerns.
• Support packaging improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging quality, efficiency and sustainability.
• Support innovation and cost optimisation projects.
• Perform administrative and other duties related to Packaging & Development as required.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

During the internship, you will gain practical exposure to:

• Packaging Design & Development
• Product Commercialisation
• Packaging Material Evaluation
• Laboratory Testing & Validation
• Production Line Trials
• Supplier Management
• Quality Assurance
• GMP & Manufacturing Compliance
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Cross-functional Project Management
• Sustainable Packaging Practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc or BTech) in:
  • Packaging Technology
  • Polymer Science
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Food Science
  • Consumer Science
  • or another relevant qualification.
• IPSA Diploma or Packaging Qualification will be advantageous.

Experience

• Recent graduates or candidates with 0–2 years' relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Exposure within an FMCG or manufacturing environment will be advantageous.

Technical Competencies

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Data analysis and reporting
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes
• Packaging material knowledge (advantageous)
• Lean Manufacturing and 5S awareness
• Quality Management Systems (GMP awareness advantageous)
• Technical documentation
• Root Cause Analysis (advantageous)

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Learning Agility
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Innovation & Creative Thinking
• Initiative & Ownership
• Planning & Organising
• Time Management
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Customer Focus
• Safety Awareness
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Effective Written & Verbal Communication
• Professionalism & Integrity
• Accountability
• Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

By the end of the internship, the successful candidate should be able to:

• Support packaging development projects from concept to implementation.
• Contribute effectively to packaging line trials and product launches.
• Maintain accurate packaging specifications and technical documentation.
• Demonstrate sound analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Apply manufacturing, safety and quality standards confidently.
• Work collaboratively across Packaging, Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain functions.
• Recommend practical improvements that enhance packaging performance, quality and efficiency.

WHY JOIN PRIME PRODUCT MANUFACTURING?

Joining Prime means becoming part of a high-performing manufacturing business committed to innovation, operational excellence and developing future talent.

As a Packaging & Development Intern, you will:

• Gain hands-on experience in a leading manufacturing environment.
• Work alongside experienced packaging and product development professionals.
• Contribute to real business projects and product launches.
• Develop valuable technical, analytical and professional skills.
• Build a strong foundation for a career in Packaging, Product Development or Manufacturing.

Market Related

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comperehensive resume and qualifications to Sign in to view email