Packaging Development Manager

• Role Description
• Identify, develop and drive implementation of packaging solutions that add value in line with the business plan and Princes Group packaging strategy.
• To support Production, Technical and Engineering teams in the smooth running of all packaging formats through attendance at trials and first productions of new packaging items as appropriate.
• To develop and maintain close working relationships with external packaging suppliers, OEMs and trading partners, to ensure Princes are at the forefront of packaging technologies and solutions.
• To identify and report new packaging innovations that could provide production or cost efficiencies, environmental benefits or functional benefits that lead to competitive advantages for Princes.
• To represent the Packaging Development function in working relationships with Princes’ customers as required.
• Overall objective/purpose

This role is working a hybrid working pattern, 4 days on site and 1 day from home, typically Friday.

• Scope
• Packaging Development activity including added value and cost saving initiatives across manufactured and bought-in goods, covering branded, customer own brand and co-pack formats and products.
• Principal Accountabilities
• Support Sales /Marketing /Commercial by performing presentations to retailers on Packaging initiatives/developments to support business change.
• Plan, coordinate and implement supplier and production trials within both the development and cost saving processes in line with business objectives.
• To agree specifications for all packaging components.
• To ensure competitive advantage with the implementation of a continuous improvement program for existing packaging materials, ensuring that they are optimised for cost, quality, production efficiency and enhanced performance through the supply chain.
• Communicate any spend with the relevant budget holder and generate concept development visuals with external suppliers to illustrate packaging concepts.
• Work with potential suppliers to develop tool drawings, models, pilot samples and sign off commissioned tooling for any new components.
• Input into the Princes Group strategic packaging development plan, covering value added growth, environmental benefits and cost saving initiatives.
• Manage and prioritise a packaging development schedule detailing project, saving, and benefit etc.
• To work within the team structure, showing the required core competencies commensurate with the job role, namely adding value, decision-making, accuracy, creativity and team working.
• Provide technical support/troubleshooting skills to Operations as required.
• Prepare or contribute to packaging related justifications for capital expenditure.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant aspects of packaging technology, identifying those trends and developments which can enhance product performance and efficiency.
• Perform internal presentations on packaging developments and trends.
• Continually review and improve the environmental and ethical impact of packaging and its development across all substrates, materials and technologies within Princes.
• Ensure all packaging components are safe and meet all appropriate legislation.
• Provide appropriate cover for other Packaging Managers within the function.
• Control and monitor value added packaging development including: competitor product analysis, benchmarking of both national and international markets with the intention of learning and communicating new opportunities for packaging developments.
• To work with the Packaging Purchasing team in the identification and approval of new packaging suppliers.
• To develop palletisation profiles for new products or formats, and to critique and improve/ rationalise existing palletisation profiles.
• Role Requirements

Qualifications and Skills required

• Degree or IOP diploma in packaging technology, materials science or engineering.
• Demonstrable experience of leading packaging change programmes within a FMCG environment, from concept through to factory implementation.
• In-depth knowledge and significant working experience of a wide range of relevant packaging materials and processes.
• Ability to manage projects to time and budget, whilst under pressure.
• Used to working on own initiative and self-motivated with a forward thinking approach
• Project management skills with good inter-personal skills and the ability to be an effective member of multi-functional teams many of which are remote
• Ability to build and maintain solid working relationships with customers and suppliers resulting in consistent project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• The self-confidence to work in a high profile environment in conjunction with senior managers
• Experience of generating packaging initiatives designed to deliver innovation via consumer or environmental benefit.
• Personal characteristics: clear thinker, logical, organised, team player, creative, adaptive, resilient, decisive.

Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer
• Flexible Holiday Option - Buy 5 Additional Days
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Key contacts

Internal: Marketing, Commercial, Purchasing, Technical, NPD, Production, CSR, Engineering and Supply Chain

• External: OEMs, Packaging Suppliers, Design Agencies, Testing and Validation Services
• Country
• United Kingdom
• Location
• Belvedere
• Business Area
• Edible Oils Limited
• Workplace Type
• Hybrid
• About Princes

The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius.

Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day.

None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.

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