Job Description

 

• To research, manage, and successfully implement packaging developments and redevelopments in support of the overall group value engineering and innovation strategies. 

• To develop and maintain close working relationships with suppliers and trading partners, s buying teams, marketing managers and production teams at all sites. 

• To identify and report new packaging innovations that could provide cost efficiencies or other competitive advantages  

• To 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.

 

• Packaging development activities for all food, oils and drinks (branded and own-label).

 

• Monitor and control value added packaging development including: competitor product analysis, benchmarking of both national and international markets with the intention of leading the market and providing best in class solutions, innovative packaging design and packaging format optimisation.
• Drive and control factory liaison to facilitate effective packaging development, production trials, and packaging training with plant operatives and technical teams.
• Manage and communicate budgetary aspects of all individual projects, including writing of capital expenditure requests and regular reporting of costs, benefits and variances.
• To work with the Packaging Purchasing team in the identification, auditing and approval of new packaging suppliers.
• Assist the packaging development manager in the management of a strategic packaging plan, covering innovation and cost saving initiatives.
• Provide weekly updates to the packaging development value engineering tracker, detailing project, saving and benefit etc.
• To provide technical support and trouble-shooting expertise to all sites and trading partners as required.
• To develop palletisation profiles for new products or formats, and to critique and improve/ rationalise existing palletisation profiles.

 

• Degree or IOP diploma in packaging technology.
• Demonstrable experience of leading packaging change programmes within a FMCG environment, from idea through to factory implementation.
• In-depth knowledge and significant working experience of plastic bottles, flexibles, paper-based packaging, injection and blow moulding technologies.
• Ability to manage projects to time and budget, whilst under pressure.
• Experience of generating packaging initiatives designed to deliver innovation via consumer or environmental benefit.
• Personal characteristics: clear thinker, logical, organised, team player, creative, adaptive, decisive.