Group Packaging Technologist in Chessington

New England Seafood International (NESI) was established in 1991 and is an importer and processor of premium fresh and frozen sustainable fish and seafood. NESI employs circa 850 people across three sites in the UK and imports a wide range of wild and farmed fish and shellfish from all around the world. Our vision is to “show people how to enjoy fish every day” and we pride ourselves on our supply chain integrity, sustainable sourcing and high-quality product. Our values run through our business and are Respect, Customer Care, By Learning We Grow, Team Spirit and Integrity.

This is a group role which does require regular and frequent travel between sites and suppliers in the U.K. The role involves:

• Sharing knowledge and expertise about packaging concepts, machines, technologies, and materials that will protect and preserve products.
• Approving and signing off current and proposed packaging concepts that will transfer safely through the supply chain to consumers.
• Leading new product development and new concepts that will enable NESI to implement innovative packaging formats that bring value, safety, quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams, namely Engineering, Technical, NPD, and Operations, engaging in problem-solving techniques to deliver continuous improvements to operations.
• Supporting the procurement team on selection, trialing, and approval of alternative materials and suppliers.
• Managing all packaging specs (new and current), quality standards, and packaging supplier/product compliance on the Supplier Compliance Portal.
• Ensuring the packaging risk assessment is always up to date and compliant.
• Leading the process of implementation and management of the EPR requirements for NESI packaging.
• Working closely with packaging suppliers to gather necessary information required by EPR: RAG/RAM data.
• Supporting the Packaging Administrators & Finance teams on data gathering, accuracy, and timely packaging reports to DEFRA/HMRC and customers.
• Assisting Operations and Finance teams in setting the correct bill of materials.
• Engaging and working with new packaging materials and solutions with Customers, Suppliers, and other Partners.
• Ensuring compliance with packaging quality and standards in line with Government and Customers' sustainability and quality guidelines.

Key Deliverables include:

• Providing and maintaining fit-for-purpose packaging solutions that deliver a high quality and safe product for NESI brand and customers.
• Improving operational performance and leveraging benefits and cost efficiency for the business and customers.
• Ensuring visual appeal and functionality.
• Strong communication with internal and external partners.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A track record of working in a similar and fast-paced food manufacturing environment, with experience in running factory trials and results assessment.
• Successful implementation of new packaging and optimization of packaging performance in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of different packaging formats and up-to-date knowledge of packaging and sustainability trends, challenges, and technologies.
• Knowledge and understanding of retailers' packaging codes of practice and EPR legislation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and well-developed interpersonal, communication, assertiveness, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to consider differing viewpoints and propose decisions based on facts and the strategic direction of the business.
• Time management and self-starter capabilities.

Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday
• Pension: 5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution
• Life Insurance: 3 x annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount on products
• Unlimited refreshments
• On-site parking
• Referral Programme
• Sports & Social Fund