Packaging Development Manager - Food Manufacturing

Leeds│ Complex Food Manufacturer │ High NPD Agenda

The Opportunity

This is a busy Packaging Development Manager role within a complex and fast-paced food manufacturing business, where NPD and innovation is high on the agenda.

Packaging Development activity includes added value and cost saving initiatives across manufactured and bought-in goods, covering branded, customer own-brand and co-pack formats and products.

Packaging Development Manager role objectives and purpose

Identify, develop and drive implementation of packaging solutions that add value in line with the business plan and Group packaging strategy.
To support Production, Technical and Engineering teams in the smooth running of all packaging formats through attendance at trials and first productions of new packaging items as appropriate.
To develop and maintain close working relationships with external packaging suppliers, OEMs and trading partners, to ensure the company are at the forefront of packaging technologies and solutions.
To work closely with Procurement, to deliver supplier savings through alternative sourcing or new specifications.
To manage the specification control database, ensuring packaging data is up to date for customer private label specifications and legislation reporting requirements
To identify and report new packaging innovations that could provide production or cost efficiencies, environmental benefits or functional benefits that lead to competitive advantages for the business. To represent the Packaging Development function in working relationships with external customers as required. A bit about you …

Degree or IOP diploma in packaging technology, materials science or engineering (ideally)
Demonstrable experience of leading packaging change programmes within a FMCG environment, from concept through to factory implementation.
In-depth knowledge and significant working experience of a range of relevant packaging materials and processes.
Ability to manage projects to time and budget, whilst under pressure.
Used to working on own initiative and self-motivated with a forward-thinking approach
Project management skills with good inter-personal skills and the ability to be an effective member of multi-functional teams many of which are remote
Ability to build and maintain solid working relationships with customers and suppliers resulting in consistent project delivery and customer satisfaction.
The self-confidence to work in a high-profile environment in conjunction with senior managers
Experience of generating packaging initiatives designed to deliver innovation via consumer or environmental benefit.
Personal characteristics: clear thinker, logical, organised, team player, creative, adaptive, resilient, decisive. Key contacts

Internal: Marketing, Commercial, Purchasing, Technical, NPD, Production, CSR, Engineering and Supply Chain
External: OEMs, Packaging Suppliers, Design Agencies, Testing and Validation Services, Customers

Location

This role is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. This is a hybrid role, where you can work from home 1 day a week (trials permitting)

This role offers a salary of up to £45k + usual benefits.

Eligibility

Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available