This position has now been filled, but it remains listed on our website to give you an example of a recent role in our organization. We also keep a broad range of similar vacancies for reference.
Overview
The parent company behind a number of iconic British brands has an opportunity for a packaging expert to lead and drive the overall R&D packaging agenda. The Lead R&D Packaging Manager will set the vision for the team and support and lead both innovation and delivery, aligned to the company’s future strategic picture.
Responsibilities
- Support the Head of R&D in setting packing direction and vision for the team
- Develop the R&D packaging team across innovation, implementation, and specifications management to support short, medium and long‑term ambitions
- Direct responsibility for 2 R&D Packaging Managers and 5‑6 technologists
- Collaborate across the front‑end innovation/R&D interface to ensure a robust pipeline of concepts and supporting technologies
- Influence the 2‑3 year R&D pipeline and beyond through technical knowledge and consumer insight, ensuring products continue to engage and excite consumers
- Develop approaches for technology scouting, material advancements, and novel concepts, translating them into opportunities for product pipelines via open innovation and internal capability development
- Lead discovery phase projects and/or implementation projects when required
- Provide technical packaging expertise for NPD/EPD projects and for the wider business when required
- Act as the packaging innovation lead within R&D and the wider business, serving as a point of contact for external partners
- Build a strong internal network across Commercial, Brand, Finance & Ops teams
- Develop an external network of packaging suppliers, insight & innovation partners and third‑party co‑packers and manufacturers to support R&D and the wider business
- Lead packaging exploration projects to identify potential consumer‑focused opportunities for longer term development 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 the wider business with any packaging‑related enquiries, and accompany visits to key customers when required
- Influence and help shape the long‑term direction of R&D, including targets, KPIs and the R&D lab
Qualifications
We are looking for a stand‑out people‑manager who can demonstrate the ability to work alongside multiple stakeholders in a collaborative, cross‑functional manner. Strong project management skills and the capability to shape and lead packaging initiatives and technical work are essential.
Eligibility: Applicants must be resident in the UK and have recently worked in the print, packaging or paper sectors.
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