At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage packaging development projects and drive innovation for iconic food brands.
- Company: Join Valeo Foods, a dynamic team behind beloved UK food brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, matched pension, discounts, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement await you!
- Why this job: Be part of sustainability initiatives and shape the future of food in the UK.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in packaging development with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Company Description
At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week. As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Packaging Technologist to join the Valeo Foods team, supporting our iconic Matthew Walker and Rowse Honey brands. Reporting into the Packaging function, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of packaging development projects, ensuring packaging solutions deliver value to the business while meeting customer, technical, legislative, and sustainability requirements. This role is ideal for someone with packaging development experience in the FMCG or food manufacturing sector who enjoys managing multiple projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving innovation from concept through to launch.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage packaging development projects from concept to implementation, ensuring delivery against agreed critical paths.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to define project timelines and successfully deliver packaging elements of projects.
- Provide technical packaging support to the business and customers.
- Support R&D with packaging trials to ensure packaging is fit for purpose and meets performance requirements.
- Manage artwork development and approval processes, providing packaging information to Brand Managers and customers.
- Maintain accurate packaging specifications and documentation within Foods Connected and other internal systems to support customer and BRC audit requirements.
- Assist in the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that meet current and future business and customer needs.
- Support the specification and commissioning of new packaging equipment, plants, and processes.
- Identify and implement value optimisation and cost-saving opportunities.
- Monitor and communicate packaging legislation changes, supporting the wider business with compliance requirements.
- Input and maintain data within customer systems, including platforms such as Valpak.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years' packaging development experience, ideally within an FMCG food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, printing technologies, and packaging development processes.
- Knowledge of packaging legislation and environmental considerations.
- Experience working with major UK retailers and understanding customer requirements.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to deliver multiple projects to challenging deadlines.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Good IT skills and confidence working with specification systems and customer portals.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between Valeo sites, suppliers, and customers as required.
Why Join Us?
At Valeo Foods, you'll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team responsible for some of the UK's most recognised food brands. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to innovation, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement projects while developing your career within a growing international business.
Additional Information
What we offer you in return: Excellent Career Opportunities, Matched pension scheme up to 10%, Death in service, Cycle to work scheme, Retailer discount platform, Staff discount and plenty more!
Packaging Technologist in Heanor employer: Valeo Foods
Valeo Foods is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of York, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of confectionery. With a focus on inspiring leadership and hands-on strategy, Valeo Foods provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Technologist in Heanor
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Valeo Foods.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Valeo Foods!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Valeo Foods, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Valeo Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Technologist in Heanor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Valeo Foods, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Valeo Foods.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Valeo Foods. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Valeo Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Valeo Foods’s mission.
