Innovation Head
Role: Innovation Lead
About Pakka Limited
At Pakka Ltd, we are committed to sustainable innovation, creating eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the needs of modern businesses. With over 40 years of manufacturing excellence and a strong R&D foundation, we have been revolutionizing three major segments: Wrap & Carry, Food Services and Flexible Packaging. Join us to shape the future of packaging and make a meaningful impact.
Mission of the Role
Lead Pakka’s Innovation and Business Centre to replace plastic at scale while building profitable revenue. Own the centre’s business performance, funding, innovation portfolio and strategic partnerships; connect scientific innovation with customer adoption, commercial scale-up and measurable environmental impact. Advance Pakka’s mission to revolutionise food packaging solutions for a cleaner planet.
Key Responsibilities
1. Own the centre’s P&L, funding strategy, financial planning and commercial performance, ensuring that tonnes of plastic replaced grow alongside revenue and profitability.
2. Set the innovation and business roadmap across rigid food-service packaging, flexible packaging and waste valorisation, selecting projects that meet Pakka’s mission filter: home-compostable or paper-stream-recyclable solutions.
3. Allocate budgets, people and resources across the Customer, Science, Commercialization, Proof, Ecosystem and establish clear decision rights, project gates, priorities and performance reviews.
4. Build and convert anchor customer relationships and global partnerships with brands, QSRs, converters, manufacturers and technology providers; translate customer needs into viable innovation and licensing opportunities.
5. Lead commercialisation and licensing strategy, including final licence terms, supply partnerships, tiered royalties and cost-down pathways that improve competitiveness with conventional plastics.
6. Provide strategic technical direction through strong understanding of cellulose chemistry, material science, formulations, manufacturing processes and application requirements, enabling cross-disciplinary problem-solving.
7. Drive disciplined innovation lifecycle management from concept and minimum viable product through testing, customer trials, pilot validation and scale-up; ensure timely delivery, cost control and corrective action.
8. Use emerging technologies, simulation, data analytics and AI-enabled approaches to evaluate options, improve formulations, strengthen process performance and reduce ecological impact.
9. Build partnerships with research institutes, universities, certification bodies, startups and suppliers; protect an open research and startup budget of 10–15% of centre income in line with the proposed operating guardrails.
10. Establish systems for intellectual property creation and protection covering formulations, designs and processes; oversee external validation, certification and relevant regulatory and sustainability requirements.
11. Build a high-performing, multidisciplinary team and a culture of ownership, independent decisions, experimentation, competency-based development and accountability for outcomes.
Qualifications
- Materials Science / Fiber Science / Polymer Science
- Chemical Engineering / Pulp & Paper Technology
- Sustainable Packaging / Industrial Biotechnology / Green Chemistry
- Related disciplines with strong R&D focus
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant technical or business discipline is advantageous.
Experience
· Business Leadership: 15–20 years of experience in specialty chemicals, paper, packaging or related industries, including 5+ years in business leadership with P&L responsibility, financial management and commercialization.
· Technical & Innovation Expertise: Strong knowledge of cellulose chemistry, biomaterials, manufacturing processes, product development, technology scale-up, IP management and innovation strategy.
· Global Exposure & Partnerships: Proven experience working with international customers, technology partners and research institutions, including participation in global conferences, exhibitions and industry events to drive collaborations and business opportunities.
· Strategic Thinking: Expertise in technology scouting, digital tools, AI applications, data-driven decision-making and developing commercially viable sustainable solutions.
· Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets, develop strategic partnerships and drive cross-functional innovation programs.
Success Measures
Tonnes of plastic replaced; profitable revenue and centre profitability; number of customers converted; delivery of commercial innovations; and progress in cost competitiveness and impact.
Long-Term Outcomes (2030 Ambitions in Role Profile)
· Create rigid ready-to-eat meal packaging solutions supporting sales of over 200,000 tonnes per year.
· Build effective flexible packaging solutions for snacks and confectionery supporting sales of over 300,000 tonnes per yr
· Achieve process excellence with valorisation of all solid waste and zero liquid discharge.
What We Offer
This role offers the opportunity to shape Pakka’s sustainable packaging innovation agenda, build a multidisciplinary business and science ecosystem, and translate new materials and technologies into measurable environmental and commercial impact. The position offers leadership scope, collaboration with global partners and opportunities for professional growth. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.
If you are passionate about leading innovation that replaces plastic at scale while building a sustainable, profitable business, send your CV and cover letter to Lakshmi.vikram@pakka.com.
Join us to shape the future of sustainable packaging!