Packaging Development intern

About PlayShifu

PlayShifu is a fast-growing technology startup that creates AR-powered educational toys. Our award-winning products are distributed worldwide in over 35 countries.

About the Role

PlayShifu is seeking a Packaging Development Intern to support the sourcing and procurement of packaging materials for our AR-powered toy portfolio. This role involves collaborating with Packaging Development, Product, Operations, Quality, Finance, and suppliers to ensure packaging is sourced at the optimal cost, quality, and lead time. It's an ideal starting point for a career at the intersection of packaging, procurement, and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end procurement of packaging materials including: folding cartons, master cartons, labels, bags, sleeves, trays, inserts, partitions, hangtags, and other printed packaging.
• Float RFQs, collect quotations, and prepare cost comparisons and supplier evaluation sheets.
• Assist in negotiating pricing, MOQ, and lead times with suppliers, under guidance from senior procurement team members.
• Develop and maintain KLDs (Key Line Drawings) for various packaging formats.
• Prepare and maintain packaging specifications, BOMs, dimensions, material specifications, and KLD revisions.
• Coordinate samples, mock-ups, trials, and approvals with Packaging Development and Quality teams.
• Convert approved requirements into POs and follow up on supplier acknowledgement and production schedules.
• Track open POs, production, and dispatch timelines to ensure on-time availability of packaging materials.
• Liaise with suppliers to help resolve quality, delivery, or specification-related issues.
• Maintain packaging cost sheets, price masters, supplier databases, and procurement trackers.
• Coordinate with Finance and Operations for GRN, invoice, and PO closure.
• Assist senior team members in identifying new suppliers and cost-saving opportunities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Comfortable with Excel/Google Sheets.
• Basic understanding of paperboard, corrugated, flexible packaging, labels, and printing processes.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks, SKUs, and timelines.
• Basic ability to read packaging specifications, BOMs, and technical drawings/dielines (KLDs), with a willingness to learn.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a Diploma or Bachelor’s in Packaging Technology / Packaging Engineering / Packaging Science. A packaging degree is strongly preferred; candidates from related fields with relevant exposure may also be considered.
• Prior internship, academic project, or coursework in packaging, procurement, sourcing, or packaging development is a plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with costing and commercial data is a plus.
• Exposure to toys, consumer products, FMCG, D2C, or retail packaging is a plus, not required.