Packaging Development Manager (Leeds)

We are seeking a committed Packaging Development Manager to join our team at the Cross Green site in a full-time permanent role. The role involves:

• Identifying, developing and driving implementation of packaging solutions that add value in line with the business plan and Princes Group packaging strategy.
• Supporting 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.
• Developing and maintaining close working relationships with external packaging suppliers, OEMs and trading partners, to ensure Princes are at the forefront of packaging technologies and solutions.
• Working closely with Procurement, to deliver supplier savings through alternative sourcing or new specifications.
• Managing the specification control database, ensuring packaging data is up to date for customer private label specifications and legislation reporting requirements.
• Identifying and reporting new packaging innovations that could provide production or cost efficiencies, environmental benefits or functional benefits that lead to competitive advantages for Princes.
• Representing the Packaging Development function in working relationships with Princes’ customers as required.

Key responsibilities:

• Support Sales /Marketing /Commercial/Technical by having direct retailer contacts 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.
• Ensure that these are well communicated and approved by key stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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.
• Support the costing process in an accurate and timely manner.
• 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 and Technical as required.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant aspects of packaging technology, identifying those trends and developments which can enhance product performance and efficiency.
• 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.
• To work with the Packaging Procurement 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.

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 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.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.