Packaging Development Manager

Product Development & Packaging Lead – Food Industry

An established and innovative UK food manufacturer is looking for a Product Development & Packaging Lead to drive end-to-end product and packaging development for major UK retail customers for a 12 month FTC. This is a key customer-facing role responsible for delivering high-impact projects in new product development (NPD), packaging renovations, and compliance.

Role Overview:

• Act as the primary contact for customers across all product development, renovation, and packaging initiatives.
• Lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery aligned with customer KPIs.
• Guarantee all new and existing products meet customer specifications, policies, and quality standards.
• Manage packaging design, artwork, and copy approvals based on final product specs.
• Submit customer specifications Right First Time (RFT) and within agreed timeframes.
• Organise and lead customer meetings and technical visits to manufacturing sites.
• Monitor and report on product performance through benchmarking panels and customer KPIs.

🎯 Key Deliverables:

• Projects delivered to brief, on time, and with full customer satisfaction.
• All specs, artwork, and packaging approved within the critical path and green-scored at launch.
• Proactive communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Controlled budgets and cost-effective project execution.

✅ What We’re Looking For:

• Proven private label experience with major UK retailers.
• Strong customer focus and ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• High levels of analytical thinking and a passion for product/process improvement.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills to move initiatives forward.
• Strong organisational skills and proficiency in Excel.

Ready to shape the future of food innovation and lead exciting retail projects? Join a passionate team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering excellence.

Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this role.

Salary bracket from, £40,000 – £45,000 + bonus and benefits for a 12 month Fixed Term Contract