At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging projects in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturer focused on NPD and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and build relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on packaging solutions that drive innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in packaging technology or related field; experience in FMCG packaging.
This is a busy Packaging Development Manager role within a complex and fast-paced food manufacturing business, where NPD and innovation is high on the agenda.
Packaging Development activity includes added value and cost saving initiatives across manufactured and bought-in goods, covering branded, customer own-brand and co-pack formats and products.
Packaging Development Manager role objectives and purpose:
- Identify, develop and drive implementation of packaging solutions that add value in line with the business plan and Group packaging strategy.
- Support 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.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with external packaging suppliers, OEMs and trading partners, to ensure the company are at the forefront of packaging technologies and solutions.
- Work closely with Procurement, to deliver supplier savings through alternative sourcing or new specifications.
- Manage the specification control database, ensuring packaging data is up to date for customer private label specifications and legislation reporting requirements.
- Identify and report new packaging innovations that could provide production or cost efficiencies, environmental benefits or functional benefits that lead to competitive advantages for the business.
- Represent the Packaging Development function in working relationships with external customers as required.
A bit about you …
- Degree or IOP diploma in packaging technology, materials science or engineering (ideally).
- 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.
Key contacts:
- Internal: Marketing, Commercial, Purchasing, Technical, NPD, Production, CSR, Engineering and Supply Chain.
- External: OEMs, Packaging Suppliers, Design Agencies, Testing and Validation Services, Customers.
Location: This role is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. This is a hybrid role, where you can work from home 1 day a week (trials permitting).
This role offers a salary of up to £45k + usual benefits.
Eligibility: Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Packaging Development Manager - Food Manufacturing employer: The Foodie Recruiter Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative food manufacturing company in Leeds, where as a Packaging Development Manager, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that prioritises new product development and sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to lead impactful packaging initiatives, this role offers a rewarding career path alongside competitive benefits and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Development Manager - Food Manufacturing
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the food manufacturing and packaging industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with packaging change programmes and your project management skills. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Research the Company
Before any interview, do your homework! Understand the company’s packaging strategies and recent innovations. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Packaging Development Manager role. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can drive innovation and efficiency in our packaging solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Development Manager - Food Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Packaging Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any specific projects that showcase your ability to lead packaging change programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our high NPD agenda!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about packaging innovation and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant relationships you've built with suppliers or customers, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your project management experience. We’re looking for someone who can manage projects under pressure, so share examples of how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Foodie Recruiter Ltd
✨Know Your Packaging Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of various packaging materials and processes. Be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects, especially in FMCG environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed packaging change programmes from concept to implementation. Highlight your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, as this role demands strong project management skills.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you’ve built and maintained relationships with suppliers and customers in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your interpersonal skills and how they contributed to successful project delivery.
✨Stay Ahead of Innovations
Research recent trends and innovations in packaging technology. Be prepared to discuss how these could benefit the company and align with their goals for cost efficiency and environmental benefits. Showing that you’re proactive about industry developments can set you apart.
