Packaging Program Manager (PPWR Compliance & Transformation)
Zentiva · Bucharest
At Zentiva, we are a team of 5 000 unique talents bonded together by our common mission. We believe our diversity is a source of great energy and strength, and we create a work culture and ethics where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves, and contribute to the best of their ability. Seeking a balanced team across the company we welcome applications from all qualified candidates with various educational and industry experiences, cultural or ethical backgrounds, and different life experiences or abilities, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs or whomever they choose to love.
We are looking for an experienced Packaging Program Manager (PPWR Compliance & Transformation) to lead our company-wide packaging compliance and transformation agenda. This is a highly visible role with responsibility for preparing Zentiva's packaging portfolio and manufacturing network for the evolving EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) landscape while driving sustainable packaging innovation across our business.
What You'll Be Responsible For
As the global owner of the PPWR Compliance & Packaging Transformation Program, you will:
- Lead the development and execution of Zentiva's packaging compliance and transformation roadmap across internal and external manufacturing networks.
- Translate packaging regulatory requirements into practical business initiatives and implementation plans.
- Drive portfolio-wide packaging assessments, compliance documentation, and conformity readiness activities.
- Identify and mitigate regulatory and packaging compliance risks while ensuring readiness for upcoming legislative milestones.
- Lead packaging transformation initiatives focused on sustainability, recyclability, material optimization, harmonization, and packaging innovation.
- Partner closely with Sustainability, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Commercial teams to deliver cross-functional projects.
- Collaborate with packaging suppliers and external manufacturing partners to ensure compliance, innovation, and supply continuity.
- Establish governance, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to track compliance, transformation progress, risks, and business impact.
- Build business cases and support strategic decision-making by balancing compliance, sustainability, cost, technical feasibility, and supply security considerations.
- Lead and develop a small team while promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
Experience
- 5+ years of experience within pharmaceuticals, healthcare, packaging, FMCG, chemicals, or another regulated industry.
- Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional programs, projects, or transformation initiatives.
- Experience in packaging, regulatory compliance, quality, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, sustainability, or related disciplines.
- Experience working with suppliers, external manufacturers, and senior stakeholders across multiple functions.
- Pharmaceutical packaging experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of PPWR and broader EU packaging regulations.
- Knowledge of sustainable packaging principles and packaging compliance requirements.
- Ability to translate technical and regulatory requirements into actionable business solutions.
- Strong project and program management capabilities.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working in a complex international matrix environment.
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with SAP, Power BI, or similar tools is an advantage.
- Fluent English communication skills.
- Additional European languages are considered an advantage.
Education
- University degree in Packaging Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Sustainability, or a related field.
- Additional certification in Program Management, Packaging, Sustainability, or Regulatory Affairs is considered a plus.
Why Join Zentiva?
- Opportunity to lead a strategic, business-critical transformation program with global impact.
- High visibility across senior leadership and multiple functional areas.
- Ability to shape Zentiva's sustainable packaging future and regulatory readiness.
- Collaborative, international environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Inclusive culture where diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement are valued.
Ready to drive packaging compliance, sustainability, and transformation at scale? We'd love to hear from you.