Implementation Packaging Technologist

Joining Refresco as an Implementation Packaging Technologist means stepping into a fast-paced, innovative environment where your expertise will directly shape the success of products enjoyed by millions every day. As the world’s largest independent bottler for retailers and A-brands, Refresco offers you the opportunity to work across a wide portfolio of drinks—juices, carbonates, energy drinks, and more—bringing new products and packaging to life from concept to shelf.

You’ll play a key role in driving operational excellence, sustainability, and product innovation, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver packaging solutions that are efficient, compliant, and consumer-focused. With Refresco’s commitment to continuous improvement and investment in cutting-edge technology, you’ll have the tools and support to grow your skills and make a measurable impact.

If you thrive in a collaborative, hands-on role that blends technical challenge with creative problem-solving—and want to see the tangible results of your work in stores across the country—Refresco is the place to be.

What’s in it for you?

• 10% Annual bonus
• 4% Employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Online doctors’ appointments for you and your family
• Access to employee benefits platform – Cheers which includes flexible benefits such as; healthcare cover, healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, car scheme, activities pass, financial services, will writing services etc.

The Role:

• Own product & packaging trials – plan, execute, and evaluate every test run so launch day is flawless.
• Translate innovation into production – verify new equipment, materials, and processes, embedding them through clear SOPs, HACCP updates, and risk assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement – partner with Operations to boost line efficiency, reduce waste, and hit our ambitious sustainability targets.
• Lead cross-functional projects – rally NPD, Planning, Quality, and Warehouse teams (plus suppliers and external labs) to keep timelines tight and specs tighter.
• Champion consumer-centric design – help shape packaging that protects the product, excites shoppers, and ticks every regulatory box.

About You:

The ideal candidate will bring at least two years of proven success in a fast-paced FMCG technical or quality role. They will possess up-to-date knowledge of modern packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and food safety legislation, along with strong problem-solving abilities, a keen eye for detail, and excellent communication skills to engage effectively across all levels of the business.

• Ideal: A degree in Food/Packaging Science OR 2+ years’ success in a fast-paced FMCG technical or quality role.
• Up-to-the-minute knowledge of modern packaging materials, manufacturing methodologies, and food-safety legislation.
• Sharp problem-solving skills, a forensic eye for detail, and the communication chops to influence everyone from line operators to auditors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PDFs, and basic design software; bonus points for data-driven mindset and Lean / Six Sigma know-how.
• Flexibility to split your time 70/30 between office and factory floor, with occasional travel to supplier sites.

About Refresco:

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging brands, and retailers with production in Europe, North America, and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans, and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities, and market demand.

Our drinks on every table. That’s the Refresco vision. We’re a global business and currently produce 12 billion litres of soft drinks from 64 manufacturing plants in 12 countries and we’re only just getting started.

We’re the proud owners of six drinks manufacturing sites within the UK. Our UK business provides a great place to work for over 1,800 employees, who produce private label soft drinks and fruit juices for all the leading retailers. Whether it’s packed in cartons, bottles or cans, we ensure that our products are made to the highest quality standards. Our products get where they need to be when they need to get there to meet the needs of our high-profile customers.

Refresco believes that equal opportunity for all is fundamental to our company’s values and all our applicants can expect fairness and transparency in our recruitment process.