Packaging & Process Technologist – Permanent/May Consider Interim Candidate

Our client is looking for a strong team player to bring packaging technology knowledge and experience to become their ‘go to’ packaging expert.

You will be a critical part of the product and process team, having the opportunity to really bring new projects to life. You will work closely with sales and marketing during the gated phase of EPD & NPD project design, and as the project progresses to launch, you will work closely with operations and supply chain functions to ensure successful. You truly will be managing a project at the start of its journey!

Specifications/Supplier Assurance:

• Maintain all packaging specifications and originate any new specifications as required
• Maintain supplier self-assessment audit questionnaires and supplier audit certification and relevant documentation on file
• Maintain migration testing certification for each packaging substrate
• Establish relevance to holding colour standards for key designs for checking print run quality
• Attend first print runs where required to ensure print quality is being achieved
• Where applicable ensure ethical trading requirements are being complied with/audited and improvement programs in place where required

EPD & NPD Development Process:

• Working alongside the operation and process team to provide ‘feet on the floor’ support operational packaging trials, covering ‘blending, weighing, filling, sealing, collation, wrapping and palletisation’.
• Owning the output of operational packaging trials, ensure actions which are required are completed to a satisfactory outcome.
• Working alongside marketing, sales and nutritional teams to support and coach the NPD and EPD process when scoping and planning changes to existing and new packaging formats.
• Utilise your communication and project management skills by liaising with the Quality team, procurement team, planning team and operations chain to bring the projects to agreed timelines, costs, and accuracy of packaging master data.

Artwork/packaging design:

Own and develop the end-to-end packaging development process

• Coordinate input from colleagues as required to determine bag/box sizing for NPD
• Establish and manage potential cost saving projects ref margin or performance improvements relating to:

– Optimised packaging substrates

– Optimised pack sizes

– Optimised pallet cube/counts

• Confirm function, form and compatibility to the proposed product and proposed manufacturing process.
• Managing the process of tracking and managing all product changes and reporting this to the wider business Input into artwork approval process for and own label
• Maintain active and archive artwork files
• Define the requirements for new packaging, liaising with all internal departments.
• Provide a detailed brief to our chosen supplier; liaise with internal departments and external design companies and manage projects through to approval.

Supplier relationships/approval:

• Visit packaging suppliers to understand their processes and capabilities
• Resolve packaging complaints with suppliers and implementing corrective action whilst maintaining the non-conformance information to enable reports at any time
• Input into selection of new packaging suppliers

Candidate Profile:

• Significant experience in packaging. Food industry experience preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of Form, Fill, Seal (FFS) technology and packaging food law compliance would be an advantage.
• Good knowledge of packaging equipment and materials.
• Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, manage time effectively, and deal with constant changes.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good verbal & written communication skills.
• Self-assertion and ability to deal effectively with people at all levels.