Packaging Technologist (Cheltenham)

About the Company

SLG are a design-driven international beauty business with a global ambition. Our company designs, develops & globally scales incredible beauty brands. We are headquartered at Studio 19, our award-winning workspace, studios, and lab. It is a truly remarkable place of work based in the town centre of regency Cheltenham.

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity to become part of our innovative, collaborative, and highly skilled R&D team.

About the Role

Key Objectives

• Managing technical packaging solutions through the design, development, testing and implementation stages of new product development activity, across multiple projects, achieving a balance of creative integrity, sustainability, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Providing technical packaging expertise through all stages of the development process with the support of the Technical Packaging Manager.
• Working with third party agents, component suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the successful transition of NPD components and products into mass production.
• Support the implementation of SLGs Packaging Sustainability Strategy.

Responsibilities

• Managing multiple projects within the context of a fast development cycle.
• Working closely with category and project teams to lead the packaging development for all allocated projects with a focus on technical function, profitability, sustainability, and meeting brand objectives.
• Working closely with packaging suppliers to understand their components, materials, and processes and how these can be managed to deliver a desired product concept.
• On allocated projects, ensuring all packaging components are risk assessed, tested as appropriate, comply with regulatory, legal and brand requirements and are fit for purpose.
• Managing technical relationships with suppliers to deliver products to critical time path.
• Keeping up to date with technological, regulatory and market activity in packaging (including sustainability).
• Assisting with the identification and application of innovative packaging solutions or technologies to deliver increased consumer benefit and/or increased profit.
• Provision of packaging documentation required for Product Information Files.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent in a science or technology-based discipline required.
• IoM3 Packaging Diploma or similar postgraduate technical packaging qualification would be advantageous.
• Proven experience as a packaging technologist required, ideally from within the Health & Beauty sector.
• Previous experience developing packaging with Far Eastern supply base would be desirable.
• Previous experience of carrying out packaging testing required; experience developing new test protocols would be advantageous.

Required Skills

• Packaging Development Expertise - A solid understanding of packaging components, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills - Possesses strong problem-solving skills, using a clear, analytical approach to address complex technical challenges.
• Sustainability Knowledge - Possessing a sound understanding of the environmental impact of packaging materials and processes.
• Time and Project Management - Exhibits strong time and project management skills, capable of handling a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Commercial Awareness - Demonstrates a high level of commercial awareness, understanding the broader business implications of packaging decisions.
• Teamwork and Communication - Works effectively as part of a cross-functional team, demonstrating strong communication skills to convey complex technical concepts clearly.