At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging projects and ensure top-notch material performance.
- Company: Join AG Barr, a leading brand with a commitment to sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Diverse culture with opportunities for growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in packaging technology while working with iconic brands.
- Qualifications: Degree in Packaging, Science or Engineering with relevant FMCG experience.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Location: Hybrid working 2-3 days per week from any of our HUBS (Cumbernauld, Bolton, Milton Keynes, London)
We are looking for a Senior Packaging Technologist to join our R&D function and specialise in delivering Material Development & Validation activity. Reporting to the R&D Packaging Manager, this role is the technical bridge between packaging concept and commercial reality. You will lead the technical profiling of materials, the industrialisation of new components, and the rigorous validation of packaging formats across our supply chain.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the lead technical authority for the material integrity and functional performance of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components.
- Designing and executing comprehensive technical validation programmes and factory trials to ensure new formats perform flawlessly on-line.
- Leading material science workstreams, including the profiling and qualification of new resins and recycled material blends.
- Collaborating with Procurement and Production teams to identify and validate supply chain optimisations.
- Owning the technical specifications for all packaging materials, ensuring they meet AG Barr’s quality standards and comply with evolving legislation.
- Providing technical governance within our Stage & Gate process, managing risk and feasibility from a material and manufacturing perspective.
What you’ll bring:
- Education to degree level or equivalent, in Packaging, Science or Engineering with significant post-graduate experience in a technical packaging role within an FMCG business.
- Proven expertise in technical validation and material profiling across multiple formats.
- Experience in leading complex factory trials and bridging the gap between R&D specifications and high-speed operational reality.
- A sound knowledge of packaging material manufacture, liquid filling technologies, bottle labelling, multipacking and palletisation within the drinks industry.
- Knowledge and operation of GFSI, BRC, HACCP and other quality management systems is essential.
- Ability to assess and manage technical risks, develop robust trial protocols, and put in place definitive packaging specifications.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
What we offer:
- 34 days holiday
- Bonus
- Flexible holiday trading
- Living Wage Employer
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Flexible benefits e.g. discounts & cashback, gym memberships, technology purchases etc
- Life assurance
- Save as you earn scheme
- Staff sales discount
- Free AG Barr products throughout your working day
- Pension
- Annual salary review
- Ongoing professional development
- And much more!
We are an equal opportunities employer and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be needed for successful candidates with a disability, health or mental health condition. We encourage you to submit an application even if you don’t meet every single requirement.
Latest closing date for applications is 31st July. Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so apply now!
Senior Packaging Technologist in Milton Keynes employer: AG Barr
AG Barr is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in Cumbernauld. With a commitment to diversity, community engagement, and environmental responsibility, we provide extensive benefits including up to 34 days of holiday, a flexible cash pot for personal benefits, and a defined contribution pension plan. Join us to lead innovative engineering strategies in a company that values your contributions and fosters meaningful career development.
