At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead packaging operations and innovate sustainable solutions in a dynamic food business.
- Company: Established food and fresh produce company near Maidstone, Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on packaging strategies and sustainability in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An established and growing food and fresh produce business based near Maidstone is looking to appoint an experienced Packaging Manager to take ownership of its packaging operations. This is a varied management position with responsibility for packaging strategy, materials, supplier relationships, operational performance, stock control, sustainability reporting and the development of new packaging solutions. You will work closely with the packhouse, production, quality, procurement and logistics teams to ensure products are packed safely, efficiently and in line with customer and quality requirements.
The Role
As Packaging Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day packaging function while also taking a proactive approach to cost control, process improvement and packaging innovation. Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing packaging operations to ensure products are labelled, packed and sealed accurately and efficiently
- Developing the packaging strategy, including the sourcing of equipment and materials
- Managing packaging stock levels, inventory records and product movement procedures
- Preparing Bills of Materials and maintaining accurate packaging data
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with packaging suppliers
- Negotiating pricing, commercial terms and conditions with suppliers and customers
- Checking and approving invoices
- Monitoring packaging costs, margins and profit-and-loss performance
- Supporting retailers with sustainability documentation, including PPT, EPR and RMA forms
- Working with product development teams on new packaging solutions from initial concept through to launch
- Identifying packaging and labelling issues and implementing practical solutions
- Ensuring quality-control processes are followed and any defects or deviations are reported
- Monitoring operational performance against daily targets and adjusting schedules where required
- Maintaining accurate records, reports and compliance documentation
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing development of team members
- Promoting a safe, clean and well-organised working environment
About You
The successful candidate will ideally have previous packaging-management experience within food, fresh produce, FMCG, manufacturing or a similarly fast-paced environment. You will be confident managing suppliers, negotiating costs and working with a high volume of operational data. You will also need to be commercially aware, highly organised and comfortable working across multiple departments.
Key Skills and Experience
- Previous packaging, production or operational management experience
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, labelling and stock control
- Experience managing suppliers and negotiating pricing
- Good commercial awareness and confidence monitoring costs and margins
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage large volumes of data
- Strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritise workloads and work to tight deadlines
- Experience supporting packaging sustainability reporting would be advantageous
- Experience within food, fresh produce or FMCG would be highly desirable
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced packaging professional to join a well-established business and play an important role in driving packaging performance, cost efficiencies and future innovation. To apply, please submit your CV with details of your current salary and notice period.
Packaging Manager in Maidstone employer: Fresh People
Join a dynamic and established food and fresh produce business near Maidstone, where your expertise as a Packaging Manager will be valued in a supportive and innovative work culture. With a focus on sustainability and operational excellence, you'll have the opportunity to lead packaging strategies while collaborating with diverse teams, ensuring both personal growth and meaningful contributions to the company's success. Enjoy competitive remuneration and a commitment to employee development in a thriving environment that prioritises safety and efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Packaging Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its packaging strategies. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in food and FMCG!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. We suggest focusing on common questions related to packaging management, supplier negotiations, and sustainability practices to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Packaging Manager. Highlight your experience in packaging operations, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in a fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that illustrate your strong understanding of packaging materials, cost control, and operational performance. We want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in your communication, so make it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People
✨Know Your Packaging Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different packaging materials and their applications. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used various materials in past roles, especially in food or FMCG settings. This will show that you understand the technical side of the job.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where you negotiated costs or improved service levels. This will demonstrate your ability to handle one of the key responsibilities of the role.
✨Highlight Your Data Management Experience
Since the role involves managing large volumes of operational data, be ready to talk about your experience with data analysis and reporting. Mention any tools or software you’ve used, particularly Excel, and how you’ve leveraged data to drive decisions.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Initiatives
With sustainability being a hot topic, be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of in previous roles. Share your thoughts on current trends in sustainable packaging and how you can contribute to the company's goals in this area.
