At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting packaging projects from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a fun, foodie-friendly culture with great career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving sustainability and creativity in packaging development.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in packaging development with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 33300 - 40700 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of our client. Our client is seeking an NPD Packaging Development Executive to join their fast‑paced, collaborative NPD team. This is a critical hire to support an exceptionally busy period of product development and multiple upcoming launches — ideal for someone who can step in quickly, manage packaging projects confidently, and keep timelines moving.
If you enjoy hands‑on packaging development, solving real production challenges, and working closely with suppliers and customers, this role offers the perfect blend of creativity, coordination and technical problem‑solving.
Why This Role Matters Right Now
With new product launches scheduled for September and a packed innovation pipeline, the team needs someone who can start contributing quickly, keep packaging projects on track, and ensure all materials meet customer, regulatory and production requirements. You’ll be the link between suppliers, customers, production, quality and NPD — helping the business move from concept to launch smoothly and sustainably.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coordinating packaging development from concept through to launch
- Managing specifications, artwork checks, approvals and documentation
- Liaising daily with Production, Quality, Technical, Procurement, Marketing and external suppliers/customers
- Running packaging trials and resolving issues (e.g., film damage during transport, production constraints, material behaviour)
- Advising on packaging variations (e.g., glossy vs matt films, suitability for nuts/almonds, impact on production runs)
- Supporting costings, regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations
- Maintaining accurate spreadsheets, timelines and shared documents
- Staying ahead of packaging trends and what’s coming next in materials and formats
- Supporting continuous improvement across quality, sustainability and efficiency
What We’re Looking For
- 2–5 years’ experience in packaging development (FMCG, food, beauty, consumer goods, film, labels, cardboard, ribbons or product‑led manufacturing)
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, films, specifications and development processes
- Experience with artwork checks, approvals and cross‑checking with suppliers/customers
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets and shared project trackers
- Confident liaising with suppliers and customers — you don’t need to be a regulatory expert; support is provided
- Strong communicator with excellent attention to detail
- Proactive, enthusiastic and able to juggle multiple projects
- A genuine team player — grounded, humble, fun, foodie‑friendly, no egos
- Comfortable with 3–4 days per week in the office
Packaging Development Executive in Essex employer: Illuminate Recruitment Ltd
As an Accreditation Officer with our esteemed UK professional membership organisation, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your contributions to the engineering and science sectors. Enjoy the flexibility of remote working, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on accreditation standards. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence and quality assurance.
Contact Details:
Illuminate Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
