Packaging Lead pa;

Salary: up to £60k pa (depending on experience)

A food specialist is looking for a solutions-focused senior level packaging technologist to join their highly innovative team.

This well-known company is on the search for an experienced packaging technologist strong in sustainability, ideally with a background in the food or beverages industry.

This role is part of the NPD department. The job holder will lead and deliver the following ambitious plans for the UK Market:

• Deliver by trialling and support launches of Packaging Development and Innovation programme
• Trial and launch UK Sustainable Packaging across all UK sites where relevant
• Trial new packing technologies
• Continuous quality support & optimisation of packing efficiency across the UK business

• Packaging Development & Innovation programme:
  • Design the Packaging activity road map and lead the delivery of the Innovation & NPD packaging related plans.
  • Ensure legal compliance and accurate technical data are provided for all packaging materials.
  • Champion the NPD stage & gate process on all aspects of Packaging development (Innovation, Novation & Renovation), hence ensuring coordination of factory trials, creation of packaging specifications for the factory, & support to the team for product launches.
  • Support the artwork and packaging development process, manufacturing and palletisation guidelines, post implementation reviews.
  • Support the design and lead the Packaging Sustainability programme.
  • Attend relevant Packaging and Sustainability Trade shows & relevant Expert events to stay ahead of the challenges facing the industry and planet.
  • Translate external environmental sustainability factors affecting the packaging agenda in recommendations which will help the business to stay on track with peer group across the market.
• Recommendation and introduction of new packing technologies:
  • Scout for new packing technologies.
  • Develop partnership with equipment and packing materials suppliers and manufacturers.
  • Establish connection with external networks to bring in new ideas, technology and solutions.
• Continuous support & optimisation of packing efficiency across the business manufacturing sites:
  • Continually support the performance optimisation of packaging material machinability and packing technology following recent product launches (EPD and NPD) by managing the partnership with existing and new suppliers.
  • Ensure technical risk assessments are completed for all packaging related changes and provide guidance on how to fully mitigate potential risks.
  • Provide packaging expertise and leadership to Production & Engineering team with troubleshooting and manufacturing efficiency improvement initiatives.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an FMCG packaging management role (Food or Beverage ideal).
• Expertise in all packaging related areas: material properties & machinability (films, laminates, corrugate packing technologies (vacuum forming, VFFS, heat sealing), printing processes, handling of dry goods, distribution, bulk BtoB.
• Experience of sustainable packaging materials would be an advantage.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Excel and Word).
• Attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Prioritisation and project management.
• Excellent communication skills both internally and externally, representing the Business at external events & providing immediate expertise and authority in the expert field of packaging & sustainability.
• Pro-active self-starter with a positive, can-do attitude, enthusiasm, high energy levels, methodical and a tenacious commitment to work.

Applicants must be resident in the UK and have recent experience in the print, packaging or paper sectors.