Packaging Development Technologist in Manchester

We are PZ Cussons. Our purpose is For everyone, for life, for good. Sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere are at the heart of everything that we do. Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

Location: Agecroft Factory, Salford

Contract type: Permanent

WHO ARE WE

PZ Cussons is an international consumer goods business, headquartered in Manchester, UK. We employ just under 2500 people across our operations in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Sustainability and the wellbeing of our employees and communities everywhere are at the heart of our business model and strategy and captured by our purpose: For Everyone, For Life, For Good. If you want to join a business in transformation with exciting growth plans and the opportunity to work flexibly and finish at 1pm every Friday, apply to work for us today.

The role:

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Packaging Development Technologist to join our R&D team. Based at our R&D centre and factory site at Agecroft in north Manchester where you will spend most of your time, the roles’ primary function is to develop packaging to deliver against the busy NPD programme. During the training period, the role will be across all brands, with a view to eventually being allocated to a brand or brands to focus on once the required experience level has been attained.

Other key elements of the role will include exploring packaging innovation and fostering new technologies into the business, developing understanding of packaging regulations and how they impact our activities and continuously improving knowledge of packaging sustainability and adopting best practices to reduce environmental impact wherever possible.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver packaging solutions that meet brand, consumer, cost, quality, and sustainability requirements
• Support artwork creation, review, and approval, ensuring technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment to specifications
• Perform artwork conformance checks, managing multiple iterations and approvals using artwork management systems
• Develop and support 3D packaging changes where required, including packs, components, and material changes

Cross‐Functional & External Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing and Brand teams to translate packaging concepts into executable solutions, supporting the most appropriate manufacturing route (internal or third party)
• Collaborate with Global Brand Building teams and external suppliers to support packaging innovation and continuous improvement
• Partner with Product Development, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory teams to ensure robust pack delivery and launch readiness

Testing, Compliance & Delivery

• Plan, conduct, or oversee feasibility studies, risk assessments, and packaging testing, including third‐party testing where applicable
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including component specifications, artwork files, and test reports
• Support packaging projects from early concept through to commercialisation, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and quality standards
• Provide troubleshooting support for packaging‐related production or in‐market issues
• Work closely with the Regulatory team to ensure compliance with relevant packaging legislation and standards

Equal Opportunities:

At PZ Cussons, we value diversity and make sure everyone feels included. We want our team to reflect society and our global customers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and your unique perspective helps us develop brands and create new products for our consumers. If you need extra support during this process, please inform us so that we can accommodate your needs appropriately. It is important to us that all candidates feel recognised and have a good experience with PZ Cussons as part of our commitment to inclusivity.