Packaging Development Manager in Maidstone

Ready to shape the future of packaging within a fast-moving food manufacturing environment? We are looking for a Packaging Development Manager to lead packaging projects from concept through to implementation, delivering innovative, sustainable, and commercially effective packaging solutions across a diverse food product portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for a packaging professional who enjoys working cross-functionally with suppliers, operational teams, commercial stakeholders, and customers to develop packaging that not only performs effectively but also supports sustainability objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

Role Overview

As Packaging Development Manager, you will take ownership of packaging projects from initial concept through to launch, ensuring solutions are fit for purpose, operationally viable, compliant, and commercially effective. Working closely with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and internal stakeholders, you will play a key role in driving packaging innovation while supporting quality, sustainability, and business performance goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development projects from concept, trial, and validation through to implementation and launch.
• Work closely with packaging suppliers to develop innovative, cost-effective, and fit-for-purpose packaging solutions.
• Manage packaging specifications, ensuring all technical and operational requirements are accurately documented.
• Coordinate packaging trials and evaluations, analysing results and making recommendations for implementation.
• Collaborate with production, technical, commercial, procurement, and supply chain teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support sustainability initiatives including packaging optimisation, material reduction, recyclability improvements, and environmental impact reduction.
• Ensure packaging formats comply with relevant legal, food contact, and customer requirements.
• Manage packaging artwork approval processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective version control.
• Maintain packaging documentation, specifications, cutter guides, and performance criteria.
• Support continuous improvement projects focused on packaging performance, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders to drive innovation and successful project outcomes.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for packaging development and improvement.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience within Packaging Development, Packaging Technology, Packaging Innovation, or a similar packaging-focused role.
• Experience working within Food Manufacturing, FMCG, Fresh Produce, or a related sector.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing packaging projects from concept through to launch.
• Knowledge of packaging compliance, food contact requirements, and artwork approval processes.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance performance, sustainability, and cost objectives.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and packaging specification systems.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business where packaging innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement are key drivers of success. You will have the opportunity to influence packaging strategy, lead exciting development projects, and make a tangible impact across the business. This is a UK-based position, and applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Evidence of this right will be requested prior to interview where applicable.