PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT MANAGER in Glasgow

The purpose of the Packaging Development Manager position is to lead and manage all new Packaging Development for the Bruichladdich brand house, as well as packaging related procurement and management of packaging supplier relationships, in conjunction with the Quality and Supply Chain teams. As a B Corp business, our packaging is subject to the highest sustainable standards from creation through to supply chain. The Packaging Development Manager will work with current and new suppliers, developing new and innovative materials and processes, and building a network of contacts that reduce our impact while maintaining our commercial KPIs. The role will also develop and lead the product development process (PDT). The successful candidate will report to the Operations Director and will sit on the LT20.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all packaging development innovation and NPD delivery across the Bruichladdich portfolio of brands (except Botanist bottled in France).
• Develop new packaging solutions that meet the marketing brief in terms of sustainability, functionality, premium credentials and cost.
• Lead and manage a cross-functional team to run the PDT (Product Development Team) process, ensuring projects are brought to market on time and in line with business process, including monthly pipeline meetings and stage gate reviews.
• Liaise with the Angers Pack Development team to ensure a parallel stage gate process is run for any NPD projects being managed in that team.
• Facilitate contact between technical contacts at Angers and the Bruichladdich based Global Marketing Teams.
• Be the subject matter expert in packaging, bringing seniority and creativity on new packaging solutions and opportunities to take the brand forwards in line with the company values and goals.
• Manage multiple packaging supplier relationships, supporting supplier management programme alongside Quality Team, and where appropriate negotiate pricing for new components.
• Be a key point of contact with Remy Cointreau head office procurement team, alongside the Head of Supply Planning, ensuring transparency of local projects and representation for central projects and initiatives.
• Manage and facilitate approval of packaging line trials, ensuring these are planned on the line appropriately.
• Liaise with wider Operations team to ensure NPD bottlings are planned appropriately in the bottling schedule to meet global launch timelines.
• Translate the brand/company’s strategic plans into long-term packaging strategies aligned to the company values.
• Manage and provide leadership for two direct reports – Packaging Technologists.
• Sit on the Bruichladdich leadership team (LT20).

Ideal Profile of the Candidate:

• Values led profile motivated to be part of a purpose led brand business.
• Agility and can-do attitude to progress projects within a small team.
• Significant experience in related packaging development and senior management roles.
• Proven experience in managing and delivering complex innovation/packaging projects, ideally in the Whisky/Drinks Industry.
• Knowledge and passion for innovating with sustainable materials and processes.
• Possess a problem-solving attitude, proactively resolving both potential and actual issues.
• Strong project management experience and demonstrable ability to develop new processes and lead key project teams while managing a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience and knowledge of packaging materials, including manufacturing processes, design and development.
• Experience of material and component testing using laboratory measurement and testing equipment.
• Procurement experience and the building of strong working relationships with packaging supplier base essential.
• Strong negotiator in commercial pricing management with experience in managing supplier contracts, as well as the ability to build strong relationships with current and new suppliers.
• Business and results oriented, with a strong analytical mindset, including good knowledge of budgeting processes and KPI management.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline business processes and systems.
• Ability to inspire, engage, educate and influence individuals and teams.
• Convention challenger, innovator and entrepreneurial capacity.
• Possess a friendly, helpful, confident, and engaging personality.
• Be a true leader with proven experience managing teams and delivering through others.
• Be familiar with sales protocols and customer service procedures.

Please contact for any questions regarding the role.