Director, Packaging UK

CooperCompanies; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global medical device manufacturer is seeking a Director of Packaging in Eastleigh. The role involves leading strategic direction and operational management of a high-volume packaging site, with responsibilities that include driving innovation and compliance while managing a large operational budget. Candidates should have at least 10 years in management within high-volume manufacturing, with a preference for experience in the medical device industry. Competitive compensation and a strong benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

Wellness Platform access

Discounted contact lens scheme

LinkedIn Learning access

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of broad management experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience ideally in the medical device industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and execution of operational strategy and objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensure compliance with GMP / QSR and regulatory standards.
• Oversee packaging lines and manage lens production processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Operational excellence

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job title: Director, Packaging UK

Department: UK Packaging

Location: Mount Park, Eastleigh

Working Hours: Mon - Fri, 37.5 per week, 24 / 7 Operational Site

A brighter future awaits you

CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

Job summary – What to expect :

As the Director of our UK Packaging operations, you will lead the strategic direction, management, and performance of our high-volume packaging site at Mountpark. You’ll be responsible for delivering over 1 billion lenses annually across 6,000 SKUs, managing a £24M operational budget and £9M CAPEX. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, compliance, and innovation across packaging and engineering functions.

Key responsibilities include :

• Leading the definition and execution of operational strategy and objectives.
• Driving continuous improvement and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensuring compliance with GMP / QSR, Environmental, Health & Safety, and regulatory standards.
• Managing 14 high-volume and 3 low-volume packaging lines.
• Overseeing direct ship processes for 65–70 million lenses monthly.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders including vendors, auditors, and customers.
• Representing UK Packaging in global forums and leading change initiatives.

A full job description is available upon request.

About you :

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence and innovation. You’ll be a strong communicator, collaborator, and decision-maker who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Experience & Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of broad management experience in high-volume manufacturing, ideally in the medical device industry.

Preferred

• Professional management qualification.
• International work experience and cross-cultural collaboration.

What we offer

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including car allowance, bonus, Private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in you career and grow with CooperVision

What you can expect

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.