Alison

PACKAGING SPECIALIST II

What's on your iPod?: I am currently listening to Amy Winehouse.
What are your favorite books?: I tend to read all Oprah's recommendations, although I've started to read more social/political books.
What made you choose to work at Nestlé Purina?: I chose Nestlé Purina because of the resources. The ability to test my designs so readily with consumers was really interesting to me. It demonstrates how connected Nestlé Purina is with its customers and consumers.
What motivates you to continue working at Nestlé Purina?: I read our customer complaints about our products and packaging. Since I work strictly on packaging, I focus more on what customers are looking for in their packaging and their problems with our current designs. I really take what they say to heart and try to make improvements. Sometimes I actually get compliments about the changes I made.
What has been the most advantageous opportunity provided to you at Nestlé Purina?: I’ve witnessed focus groups on our packaging. It opened my eyes to how customers interact and what designs they like and which they really despised.
What has been the most rewarding thing about working at Nestlé Purina?: I look at the brands that I support and I know who designed the package, where the product was produced and, in some cases, who was the line operator at the manufacturing plant. I feel a lot of ownership in the brands, which ultimately makes me enjoy my job more.
Describe your greatest experience with Nestlé Purina.: I’ve actually stopped someone from buying a competitor’s product at a supermarket and gave them a coupon to buy Purina TIDY CATS Scoop® litter. I’ve explained the Tidy Lock Technology™ and described the crumble-free clumps. That day I realized how much I loved my job.
What do you wish you would have known about Nestlé Purina while you were searching for a job?: I had no idea how much they valued consumer research. All of our new products are consumer tested before launch to ensure a greater chance of success.
What is the most gratifying component about your current role?: I see my designs on shelves at grocery stores in the U.S.!
What exciting projects have you worked on?: My work is very fast-paced, so everyday is pretty exciting.
What has Nestlé Purina done to help you develop professionally or personally?: I just had a class in Vevey, Switzerland (Nestlé headquarters). The class was amazing and I met people that were in my similar packaging roles at Nestlé from all over the world.
How has Nestlé Purina supported your work-life balance?: I am interested in graduate school and it’s a relief to know that Nestlé Purina will help support it financially.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?: I love to travel. I just spent 3 weeks in Europe.