At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the packaging strategy for a major food manufacturing site, driving innovation and sustainability.
- Company: Join a fourth-generation family-owned food business with a strong presence in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced pension, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to drive improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable packaging solutions in a visible, cross-functional role.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging within FMCG, strong project management, and knowledge of compliance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
An opportunity to own the end‑to‑end packaging strategy for a major UK food manufacturing site, driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the full product range. This is a highly visible, cross‑functional role where you'll act as the packaging subject‑matter expert, influencing design, sourcing, compliance, and cost.
As Senior Packaging Technologist, you will take full ownership of the end‑to‑end packaging process for the site's complete product range. Working cross‑functionally, you will drive optimisation, innovation, and sustainability across packaging design, specification, sourcing, and execution. This is a highly visible role, acting as the packaging subject‑matter expert for the site and wider business.
Key Responsibilities:- Partner closely with NPD, Supply Chain, Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to develop and deliver effective and sustainable packaging solutions.
- Lead the sourcing of packaging materials, including supplier negotiation, cost management, and relationship building.
- Own and maintain packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with product, customer, and legislative requirements.
- Drive packaging innovation and renovation, covering formats, designs, and materials.
- Plan and execute packaging trials in collaboration with NPD and Operations.
- Develop and deliver initiatives to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability, reusability, and the use of renewable materials.
- Train and support internal teams on packaging standards, handling, and sustainability awareness.
- Act as the packaging lead and key contact during product launches, changes, and seasonal campaigns.
- Manage and control the packaging budget for the site.
The successful Senior Packaging Technologist is likely to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a packaging‑focused role within FMCG (food manufacturing highly advantageous).
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processes.
- Solid project management capability, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Confidence working in customer‑facing and supplier‑management environments.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- A collaborative, cross‑functional working style.
- Ability to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of packaging legislation and compliance requirements.
- A proactive, confident approach with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive improvement.
Salary circa £50,000. Hybrid working. Enhanced employer pension contribution. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
Senior Packaging Technologist in Manchester employer: Michael Page
Join a fourth-generation, family-owned food manufacturing business in Manchester, where you will play a pivotal role as a Senior Packaging Technologist. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, offering competitive benefits such as hybrid working, enhanced pension contributions, and generous holiday allowances. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment while being part of a team that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Packaging Technologist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Packaging Technologist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the company and prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their packaging strategy. Be ready to showcase your knowledge of sustainability and innovation in packaging – it’s what they’re after!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and passion. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting your expertise in packaging materials and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Packaging Technologist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Packaging Technologist. Highlight your experience in packaging, especially within FMCG, and showcase any innovative projects you've led. We want to see how you can drive sustainability and operational excellence!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about packaging and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative approach and any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves juggling multiple initiatives, make sure to highlight your project management experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and budgets in previous roles, especially in cross-functional settings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've driven innovation or sustainability in packaging. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams like NPD, Supply Chain, and Operations, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight any projects where you led initiatives that required input from multiple stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to influence and drive results.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially related to packaging challenges. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate with suppliers or manage costs while ensuring compliance. Prepare a few stories that illustrate your proactive approach and ability to overcome obstacles.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
With sustainability being a key focus for this role, come prepared to discuss your views on reducing packaging waste and improving recyclability. Share any initiatives you've been part of that align with these goals, and be ready to suggest innovative ideas that could benefit the company’s packaging strategy.
