Senior Packaging Technologist - #2078695

An opportunity to own the end-to-end packaging strategy for a major UK food manufacturing site, driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the full product range. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role where you'll act as the packaging subject-matter expert, influencing design, sourcing, compliance, and cost.

Client Details

Michael Page is partnering with a major UK food manufacturing business to recruit a Senior Packaging Technologist for its Manchester-based site. This is a fourth-generation, family-owned organisation employing over 12,000 colleagues across multiple UK manufacturing locations, supplying much-loved food products throughout the UK and Ireland.

Description

As Senior Packaging Technologist, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end packaging process for the site's complete product range. Working cross-functionally, you will drive optimisation, innovation, and sustainability across packaging design, specification, sourcing, and execution.

This is a highly visible role, acting as the packaging subject-matter expert for the site and wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with NPD, Supply Chain, Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to develop and deliver effective and sustainable packaging solutions
• Lead the sourcing of packaging materials, including supplier negotiation, cost management, and relationship building
• Own and maintain packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with product, customer, and legislative requirements
• Drive packaging innovation and renovation, covering formats, designs, and materials
• Plan and execute packaging trials in collaboration with NPD and Operations
• Develop and deliver initiatives to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability, reusability, and the use of renewable materials
• Train and support internal teams on packaging standards, handling, and sustainability awareness
• Act as the packaging lead and key contact during product launches, changes, and seasonal campaigns
• Manage and control the packaging budget for the site

Profile

The successful Senior Packaging Technologist is likely to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a packaging-focused role within FMCG (food manufacturing highly advantageous)
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processes
• Solid project management capability, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Confidence working in customer-facing and supplier-management environments
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• A collaborative, cross-functional working style
• Ability to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Working knowledge of packaging legislation and compliance requirements
• A proactive, confident approach with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive improvement

Job Offer

• Salary circa £50,000
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays