Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product and packaging development projects from concept to launch for major UK retailers.
- Company: Join an innovative UK food manufacturer known for its creativity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food innovation while working on exciting retail projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with private label products and strong analytical and organisational skills required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract; sponsorship is not available.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
Packaging Development Manager employer: Vertical Advantage
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food packaging and product development. Understanding current innovations and sustainability practices can give you an edge during interviews, showing that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience with major UK retailers. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into what they value in a Packaging Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in product development and packaging. Highlight projects where you successfully managed customer relationships and delivered results on time and within budget, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel skills, as proficiency in this area is crucial for the role. Consider taking a short course or using online resources to enhance your abilities, which will demonstrate your commitment to meeting the job requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Packaging Development Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in product development and packaging within the food industry.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your proven private label experience with major UK retailers. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires high levels of analytical thinking, include instances where you've successfully used data to drive product or process improvements. Mention any tools or methodologies you are familiar with, especially if they relate to Excel.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for food innovation and your approach to customer engagement. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the company's goals and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in product development and packaging, especially any experience with major UK retailers. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led initiatives from concept to launch.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and maintain a strong customer focus. Discuss how you've ensured customer satisfaction in past projects.
✨Highlight Analytical Skills
Since analytical thinking is crucial for this role, be prepared to talk about how you've used data to drive product improvements or project decisions. Bring examples of how you've benchmarked product performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to packaging design, compliance, and quality standards. Brush up on relevant regulations and best practices in the food industry to demonstrate your expertise.
