Elif Umur
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Dubai,DU
Summary
Experienced Packaging Development professional with over 9 years in the Beauty industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization across regional and global brands. Specialized in rigid and flexible packaging, mold development, and end-to-end project execution. Currently contributing to Unilever's Beauty&Wellbeing category across multiple markets, with expanding exposure to premium packaging through recent innovation launches.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2020
2020
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
03.2017 - Current
- Lead packaging development across global Hair Care brands in the Middle East and Turkey, ensuring successful execution of innovation, renovation, and sustainability programs in partnership with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, and QA.
- Spearheaded the full 3D packaging relaunch for global beauty brands in Arabia and Turkey, acting as both packaging workstream and technical project lead - delivering from design feasibility through mold development to commercial validation.
- Led the regional rollout of PCR bottles for multiple Hair Care brands in UAE and KSA, aligning with Unilever’s sustainability roadmap and enabling over 20% virgin plastic reduction.
- Contributed to premium packaging launches in the Skin Care portfolio, supporting upscale and glass component development for Ponds.
- Managed new mold development projects and standardized tooling workflows to improve lead time, quality, and cost efficiency across SKUs.
- Qualified and onboarded alternative suppliers and materials, enhancing agility and reducing sourcing risk across the region.
- Championed the regional sustainability agenda—owning technical reporting, capability building, and local material validation for eco-conscious packaging formats.
- Supported adaptation of global designs for regional manufacturing and e-commerce, including protective packaging pilots and SKU harmonization to optimize resin usage.
- Coached and mentored junior developers and technicians, strengthening packaging capability across cross-functional teams.
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
01.2023 - 12.2024
Beauty and Wellbeing - Middle East and Turkey
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
07.2021 - 01.2023
Hair Care - North Africa and Middle East
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
04.2019 - 07.2021
Hair Care - North Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Packaging Development Technologist
Unilever
03.2017 - 04.2019
Hair Care - North Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Packaging R&D Assistant Specialist
Solen Chocolate
02.2016 - 03.2017
- Led new packaging development projects in close coordination with Marketing, Procurement, and Supply Chain.
- Designed primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging formats; led commissioning for new robotics and palletizing lines.
- Conducted benchmarking studies on competitors and mockup development.
Packaging R&D Assistant Specialist
Biota Laboratories
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Participated in mold development and industrial trials for caps and bottles.
- Supported packaging innovation and benchmarking in collaboration with international suppliers and internal teams.
Packaging R&D Intern
Pladis
03.2014 - 06.2015
Education
M.Sc. - Chemistry
Istanbul Technical University
B.Sc. - Chemistry
Istanbul Technical University
01.2008 - 01.2014
Exchange Program - undefined
Tubingen Eberhard Karls University
Skills
- End-to-End Packaging Development: From concept to production across rigid, flexible, and sustainable formats
- Sustainable Packaging: Strategy, development, and expertise in PCR materials and recycled content
- Innovation & Process Optimization: Launch execution, timeline management, and cost-saving initiatives
- Mold & Supplier Management: Tooling development, approvals, quality control, and risk mitigation
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong collaboration with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and QA teams
- Project & Risk Management: Timeline ownership, proactive problem-solving, and budget adherence
- Team Development: Coaching, mentoring, and guiding teams to deliver technical excellence
- Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Competitor analysis, trend awareness, and packaging decision-making
Accomplishments
- Built strong, trust-based partnerships with Marketing and Supply Chain teams—playing a pivotal role in translating desirable packaging designs into manufacturable and cost-effective packaging.
- Recognized repeatedly by cross-functional stakeholders for delivering high-quality packaging solutions, technical excellence, attention to detail, strong leadership and collaborative project execution.
- Achieved double-digit cost savings through alternative material validation, alternative supplier onboarding, and mold optimization across core formats.
- Spearheaded 3D packaging transition in the region as both packaging and technical lead, ensuring global design integrity and flawless supply execution.
- Successfully led the technical rollout of PCR packaging across UAE and KSA factories for multiple Hair Care brands, significantly reducing virgin plastic use.
- Received individual and team-based recognition for successful implementation of packaging sustainability, innovation, and mold development initiatives.
- Coach and mentor junior packaging development team members and technicians across packaging workstreams, building technical strength and project ownership.
- Drive cross-functional alignment across R&D, Procurement, QA, and Design, ensuring packaging strategies meet brand, cost, and operational targets.
Timeline
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
01.2023 - 12.2024
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
07.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
04.2019 - 07.2021
Assistant Packaging Development Manager
Unilever
03.2017 - Current
Packaging Development Technologist
Unilever
03.2017 - 04.2019
Packaging R&D Assistant Specialist
Solen Chocolate
02.2016 - 03.2017
Packaging R&D Assistant Specialist
Biota Laboratories
09.2015 - 12.2015
Packaging R&D Intern
Pladis
03.2014 - 06.2015
B.Sc. - Chemistry
Istanbul Technical University
01.2008 - 01.2014
Exchange Program - undefined
Tubingen Eberhard Karls University
M.Sc. - Chemistry
Istanbul Technical University