At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in innovative food packaging solutions that are sustainable and game-changing.
- Company: Join one of the UK's biggest food groups with a collaborative and upbeat team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and flexible working locations across the UK.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food packaging while making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 3-5+ years of packaging development experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on experience and top-tier project management opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is a brand new role for a Group Packaging Innovation Manager, working in a really innovative ambient category with lots of scope for both your development and packaging innovation.
You will be the driving force behind the future of food packaging across the entire group. If it's new, clever, sustainable, or game-changing, you'll be leading the charge. From breakthrough materials to smarter, greener designs, this role shapes packaging that works brilliantly, looks sharp, and elevates the brand every step of the way.
You’ll thrive here if you come with a relevant degree (Packaging Tech, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, etc.) and 3–5+ years' real-world packaging development experience, ideally in food. Solid knowledge of flexibles, paperboard, rigid plastics, barrier systems, MAP.
You can base yourself out of several locations across the UK, either Scotland, Yorkshire, Manchester or South Wales. You do therefore need to be comfortable with travel to sites and also retailer customers.
This is a standout opportunity to join one of the UK's biggest food groups, working with an upbeat, collaborative team that genuinely wants you to grow, stretch, and build a long-term career.
What you’ll actually be doing:
- You’ll spearhead the discovery and development of innovative packaging solutions that boost performance, cut environmental impact, and delight consumers.
- You’ll hunt down new materials, technologies, and formats, working with suppliers, start-ups, and innovators to assess feasibility, build prototypes, and run smart trials.
- You’ll keep one eye on the horizon, tracking trends in sustainability, consumer behaviour, design, and regulation, then turn those insights into opportunities for Category Leadership Teams and other key players.
- You’ll also shape packaging concepts from scratch, working hand-in-hand with Development, Marketing, R&D, Operations, Technical, SHE, and Procurement to make sure ideas don’t just look good but actually work.
- Benchmarking best practice, leading projects from concept to launch, and keeping everything moving at pace.
Ideally, this is you:
- Degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, or similar.
- 3–5+ years' experience in packaging development/technology (food experience strongly preferred).
- Deep understanding of food-packaging materials: flexibles, paperboard, rigid plastics, barrier systems, MAP, etc.
- Solid grasp of food safety, hygiene, and packaging compliance (EPR, PPT, BRCGS, FCM Regs).
- Hands-on experience with packaging lines and production machinery.
- Top-tier project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Confident, clear communicator—written and verbal.
- Strong influencing skills and a bias for action.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Product Management, Manufacturing, and General Business
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Packaging Innovation Manager in London employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Innovation Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its packaging innovations. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for sustainable solutions and clever designs!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly communicate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for innovative minds like yours to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Innovation Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Packaging Innovation Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in packaging development and any innovative projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of driving sustainable and clever packaging solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about packaging innovation and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise in materials and design.
Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on any standout packaging projects, don’t hold back! Include details about the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work. This will help us understand your hands-on experience and project management skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Packaging Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of flexibles, paperboard, and rigid plastics. Be ready to discuss how these materials can be used innovatively in food packaging. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are also passionate about pushing boundaries.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you led packaging innovations from concept to launch. Highlight your project management skills and how you engaged stakeholders throughout the process. This will demonstrate your ability to drive projects forward effectively.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Research current trends in sustainability and consumer behaviour related to packaging. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these insights to create innovative solutions. This shows that you’re proactive and have a finger on the pulse of the industry.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. You’ll need to influence various teams, so being a confident communicator is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as engaging and knowledgeable.