Lead R&D Packaging Manager

The parent company to a number of iconic British brands has an opportunity for a packaging expert to lead and drive the overall R&D packaging agenda. The objective of this Lead R&D Packaging Manager role will be to set the vision for the team and support/lead on both innovation and delivery aligned to the company’s future picture and strategic approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of R&D in setting the packing direction and vision for the team
• Development of the R&D packaging team (across innovation, implementation and specifications management to support short, medium and long term ambitions.
• Direct responsibility for 2 x R&D Packaging Managers and 5-6 technologists.
• Work across the front-end innovation/R&D interface to ensure development of a robust pipeline of concepts and supporting technologies
• Influence 2-3 year R&D pipeline and beyond through technical knowledge and consumer insight to ensure our products continue to engage and excite consumers.
• Develop approaches for technology scouting, material advancements, and novel concepts and translate into opportunities for product pipelines using open innovation approaches and internal capability development.
• Lead discovery phase projects and/or implementation projects where required
• Provide technical packaging expertise for NPD/EPD projects as well as the wider business when required.
• Act as packaging innovation lead within R&D and wider business while providing a point of contact for external partners.
• Build a strong internal network across the Commercial, Brand, Finance & Ops teams.
• Develop external network of packaging suppliers, insight & innovation partners and 3rd party copackers and manufacturers (working in partnership with co-manufacturing) to support R&D and the wider business.
• Lead packaging exploration projects to identify potential consumer focused opportunities for longer term development projects in both NPD & EPD.
• Run packaging related workshops with internal and external input to generate stimulus and ideas that can be converted into potential concepts.
• Develop packaging solutions from initial concept through to material and supplier selection, factory trials and implementation ensuring compliance with food contact legislation.
• Identify product and packaging opportunities that will deliver profitable growth in new categories with new consumers.
• Support Marketing, Sales and wider business with any packaging related enquiries and when required accompany with visits to key customers.
• Influence and help shape the long term direction of R&D including targets, KPI’s and the R&D lab.

We are looking for a stand-out people-manager who can demonstrate an ability to work alongside multiple stakeholders with a collaborative/cross functional manner. You must have strong project management skills and a capability of shaping and leading packaging initiatives and technical work.