Job description

Packaging Developer (Food Manufacturing)

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000

Location: Northamptonshire

Work Pattern: Hybrid (3 days in the office, 2 days WFH)

About the role

I am currently looking for an experienced Packaging Developer to join a dynamic food manufacturing business, helping to design and deliver innovative, sustainable, and commercially successful packaging solutions across a diverse product portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, taking packaging concepts from idea through to launch. You'll play a key role in developing packaging that meets consumer expectations, operational requirements, regulatory standards, and sustainability commitments while collaborating with cross-functional teams across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new product development and existing product improvements.
Provide technical expertise, packaging options, and prototypes throughout the product development process.
Create, maintain, and manage accurate packaging specifications.
Plan, coordinate, and lead packaging trials, including documentation, risk assessment, and reporting.
Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to validate packaging performance and resolve technical issues.
Ensure packaging complies with relevant quality, food safety, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Drive sustainability initiatives through material selection, recyclability improvements, and continuous innovation.
Collaborate with suppliers to support technical developments, troubleshooting, and cost-effective packaging solutions.
Keep up to date with emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry legislation.
Manage packaging activities within a stage-gate project process, ensuring key milestones are delivered on time.
Support wider business initiatives, including value engineering and continuous improvement projects.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings:

Experience in packaging development within FMCG, food manufacturing, or a similar production environment.
Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging performance.
An understanding of packaging sustainability principles and relevant UK and EU legislation.
Experience planning and leading packaging trials and solving technical challenges.
The ability to create and maintain detailed packaging specifications.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with commercial awareness.
A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships across multiple functions.
A proactive mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Annual bonus
Double-matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
25 days annual leave increasing with service
Annual Salary review
Healthcare plan