Packaging Developer

Packaging Developer (Food Manufacturing)

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000

Location: Northamptonshire

Work Pattern: Hybrid (3 days in the office, 2 days WFH)

About the role

I am currently looking for an experienced Packaging Developer to join a dynamic food manufacturing business, helping to design and deliver innovative, sustainable, and commercially successful packaging solutions across a diverse product portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, taking packaging concepts from idea through to launch. You'll play a key role in developing packaging that meets consumer expectations, operational requirements, regulatory standards, and sustainability commitments while collaborating with cross-functional teams across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new product development and existing product improvements.
• Provide technical expertise, packaging options, and prototypes throughout the product development process.
• Create, maintain, and manage accurate packaging specifications.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead packaging trials, including documentation, risk assessment, and reporting.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to validate packaging performance and resolve technical issues.
• Ensure packaging complies with relevant quality, food safety, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive sustainability initiatives through material selection, recyclability improvements, and continuous innovation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support technical developments, troubleshooting, and cost-effective packaging solutions.
• Keep up to date with emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry legislation.
• Manage packaging activities within a stage-gate project process, ensuring key milestones are delivered on time.
• Support wider business initiatives, including value engineering and continuous improvement projects.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in packaging development within FMCG, food manufacturing, or a similar production environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging performance.
• An understanding of packaging sustainability principles and relevant UK and EU legislation.
• Experience planning and leading packaging trials and solving technical challenges.
• The ability to create and maintain detailed packaging specifications.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with commercial awareness.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships across multiple functions.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Annual bonus
• Double-matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service
• Annual Salary review
• Healthcare plan

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