When you finished studying, how were you integrated into the Lactalis Group ?

I have been working as part of the Packaging Development team (Central Purchasing Department), for three years now. This is my first job ; I was recruited after graduating from a packaging engineering college. At the beginning, I was given time to get used to my roles and was given a great deal of information (about the Group and about specific tools and working methods). This made my initial period with the Lactalis Group a lot easier. The support of my colleagues in development helped me learn the basics of the job. I then gradually began to manage development dossiers myself.

What does a Lactalis Packaging Engineer actually do ?

I am responsible for the development of new packaging for butter, processed cheeses and President Brand pressed cheese. My work consists of responding to the requirements of the marketing department with packaging that is technically feasible and can be produced industrially, while adhering to defined financial criteria. I am therefore in constant communication with the marketing, purchasing and manufacturing departments, as well as suppliers of packaging materials and machinery. I am involved in new developments from the research phase, through the feasibility and development studies, right through to production. I have to keep myself informed (through the press, trade shows, training etc.) of innovations and new technologies that can differentiate our products.

Which skills have you developed during your time in the job ?

The main requirement for this job is a good technical knowledge of packaging materials and processes, which comes from experience. You need an enquiring mind because the technology is constantly changing. The diversity of the people I work with also means I have to be able to relate well to people. Packaging development teaches you patience and perseverance, in order to respond positively to non-conclusive tests and to be constantly looking for original solutions. The greatest satisfaction, however, is to see our developments on supermarket shelves and sometimes even on TV !

Where can you go from here ?

I have held the same job for 3 years and I am nowhere near bored yet ! Lactalis has such a wide range of products that our packaging is very varied. Film-wrapping, bottles, containers, cases, boxes : I work on the entire packaging range. In the long-term, I could stay within the Group but move into packaging purchasing, for example. The Group's international development means that there are sure to be other opportunities, because the development of subsidiaries and products requires expertise in packaging.