R&D Packaging Manager

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This position has now been filled, but has been left on our website as we have other similar vacancies to this on an ongoing basis that might interest you. More importantly, we have vacancies that are not advertised due to their confidential nature therefore it would certainly be in your interest to email your CV, as a word document, depending on which sector you are in, to :-

Head of Packaging recruitment – Greg Nelson – greg@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head of Print recruitment–Neil Pearson – neil@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head Paper recruitment – Gary Young – gary@harrison-scott.co.uk

Board level, account management and all levels of sales vacancies –

George Thompson – george@harrison-scott.co.uk

Our divisional heads will then email your CV internally to the consultant who specialises in your exact sector, for example a category of packaging is cartons, a category of print is print management, in fact we have over 30 specialist categories. Our specialist consultant will contact you if we have a live vacancy that matches, or contact you in the near future as soon a good match to skill set and experience becomes available.

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An opportunity to work for an iconic group which has featured on The Sunday Times’ “100 Best Companies to Work For”. This long-established company which is on the rise is looking to expand its in-house packaging team. Your role as R&D Packaging Manager will be to implement packaging solutions that support and drive NPD & EPD portfolios in line with R&D KPIs, the company’s vision and future picture. You will lead the testing and development of these packaging solutions pre transition into operations (in-house or at a 3rd party co-packer) and will support technical specification development and technical problem solving/continuous improvement.

We are looking for an experienced packaging professional with strong project management skills and who pays meticulous attention to detail. Success in this role will require an ability to shape and lead packaging initiatives and technical work, and an ability to work alongside multiple stakeholders with a collaborative/cross functional manner.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drive packaging development projects into implementation/delivery to support the product development pipeline (innovation and renovation).
• Develop packaging solutions from post scoping/initial feasibility work – including management of factory trials and implementation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations /food contact legislation.
• Ensure packaging specifications are signed off both internally and with suppliers prior to first production to ensure performance criteria are locked down and agreed.
• Provide technical packaging expertise for NPD/EPD projects as well as the wider business when required.
• Develop external network of packaging suppliers, 3rd party co-packers and manufacturers (working in partnership with co-manufacturing) to support R&D and the wider business.
• Build a strong internal network across the Commercial, Brand, Finance & Ops teams
• Ensure packaging specifications are signed off both internally and with suppliers prior to first production to ensure performance criteria are locked down and agreed.
• Minimise the environmental impact of products through careful consideration and selection of packaging materials and suppliers.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for operations as required
• 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.
• Line management of up to 4 direct reports