Packaging Innovation and Delivery Manager

About the role The Waitrose Own Brand team are responsible for developing and protecting the strategy and design of over 900 own-label products, including our Essential Waitrose, Cooks' Ingredients, and No.1 Waitrose ranges. The multidisciplinary Own Brand team includes key roles responsible for product strategy, quality, and brand management. In addition to developing our core own-label ranges, the team oversees specialized supplier projects - such as partnering directly with Tony's Open Chain to source cocoa ethically, and works alongside the Branded Innovation team to bring new external brands to Waitrose shelves under “BrandsNew”. And speaking of BrandsNew, this is a Brand New vacancy that we are now recruiting. It’s an exciting role reporting into the Head of Own Brand, Central Ops. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for packaging development, with 4 direct reports. Key info: Salary - £71,700 - £111,000 Contract type - This position is a Permanent contract. Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. Alongside this we have also signalled a clear intent for Central teams to work ‘more in person than not.’ For the Waitrose Own Brand Team this means 3 days a week of in-person time but it is not a hard and fast rule requiring everyone to be in the office 3 days a week. Supplier visits, industry meetings, time in our shops and time in the office all contribute to this requirement. Please also note, overseas travel may be required. Location - Bracknell Interviews - We anticipate a 2 stage interview process. 1st stage CV review, 2nd stage formal interview in person at our Bracknell campus, likely Fri 14th August. Key responsibilities: As a Leader within the Waitrose Own Brand team, you will set the strategic direction for packaging development, ensuring Waitrose maintains a market-leading, sustainable, and highly differentiated position. You are the "business conscience" on packaging, acting as a Centre of Expertise that translates global trends, customer insights, and emerging legislation into actionable Own Brand material and format strategies. You will lead a team of packaging specialists to identify and implement innovative packaging solutions that drive commercial value and deliver against our ambitious Ethics