Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sales growth and conduct audits to enhance customer relationships.
- Company: VPK UK leads in sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, healthcare cash plan, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team where your ideas matter and personal development is a priority.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging, strong project management skills, and knowledge of sustainability principles required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to make a real impact in the packaging industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
At VPK UK, we’re leading the way in sustainable, performance-driven packaging solutions. We’re looking for a Technical Development Specialist to join our high-performing team – someone who thrives on problem-solving, delivering value for customers, and helping drive volume & margin growth across our business.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the external sales team, working cross-functionally to implement value creation strategies, and embedding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles into our customer offering.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Collaborate with the external sales team to support profitable growth and business retention.
- Conduct supply chain and packaging line audits for both existing and potential customers.
- Lead and support value creation initiatives – from concept to customer onboarding – using structured, stage-gate project management.
- Apply Value Creation, TCO, and Value Selling principles to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Develop strategic customer relationships to enhance credibility and influence decision-making.
- Deliver against value engineering targets and support tender preparation through commercial insight and cost-saving opportunities.
- Work closely with internal teams to embed Right First Time (RFT) principles, improve systems and ways of working, and deliver sustainable packaging solutions.
What Success Looks Like
- Growth in customer volume and retention
- Improved margin performance
- Strong customer feedback and trust in your technical expertise
What You’ll Bring
Experience & Knowledge:
- Experience in the packaging industry – ideally in a technical, design, or sales-related role
- Solid understanding of packaging materials, box performance factors, and machinery
- Familiarity with customer supply chains and packaging line operations
- Strong project management and time prioritisation skills
- Knowledge of sustainability principles and retail/eCommerce packaging demands
- Experience delivering continuous improvement and value creation initiatives
Attributes & Behaviours:
- Analytical, action-oriented, and results-driven
- Self-motivated, structured, and able to manage multiple projects
- Persuasive and influential communicator
- Collaborative mindset – works well with internal and external teams
- Commercially aware with excellent problem-solving skills
Why Join VPK?
At VPK, we combine innovation with sustainability to deliver packaging solutions that make a difference. You'll be part of a collaborative team where your ideas are valued, your work is meaningful, and your development is supported.
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Life Assurance Cover.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- 33 days holiday (including statutory).
- Individual healthcare cash plan, including 24/7 EAP service.
Technical Development Specialist employer: VPK Packaging UK and Ireland
Contact Detail:
VPK Packaging UK and Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Development Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable packaging solutions. This will not only help you understand VPK's mission but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the packaging industry, especially those who have experience in technical roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've applied project management principles in past roles. Highlighting your ability to manage multiple projects effectively will demonstrate your readiness for the Technical Development Specialist position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research VPK's current clients and their packaging needs. Understanding their supply chains and challenges will enable you to tailor your discussions around how you can add value and support their growth, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Development Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the packaging industry, particularly in technical, design, or sales roles. Emphasise your understanding of packaging materials and project management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your problem-solving abilities and how you can contribute to VPK's goals. Mention specific examples of past projects where you applied Value Creation and TCO principles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your analytical and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams and influenced decision-making in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Sustainability: Demonstrate your understanding of sustainability principles and how they relate to packaging solutions. This will show VPK that you align with their values and mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at VPK Packaging UK and Ireland
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your understanding of packaging materials and box performance factors. Be prepared to discuss how your technical expertise can contribute to the company's goals, especially in relation to sustainability and value creation.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves a lot of problem-solving, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully identified issues and implemented solutions. This will show your analytical and results-driven mindset.
✨Highlight Project Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your project management skills, particularly in leading initiatives from concept to customer onboarding. Use structured examples that illustrate your ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires working closely with both internal teams and external customers. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you can influence decision-making through effective communication.