Food Packaging Development Manager

Wasabi UK; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Asian food company is seeking a Food Packaging Development Manager to lead packaging strategy for restaurant and grocery channels. The role involves developing sustainable practices and project management across various teams. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in FMCG packaging, strong industry networks, and excellent communication skills. Join a growing company with a hybrid working model and various perks.

Benefits

Pension scheme

50% discount in branches

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Cycle To Work scheme

Wagestream financial wellbeing benefit

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in FMCG packaging development with foodservice and retail exposure.
• Ability to leverage contacts for innovation and best practices.
• Strong presentation skills to influence at all levels.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute packaging strategy aligned with ESG goals.
• Lead packaging development projects ensuring compliance.
• Act as the central expert on packaging and sustainability.
• Monitor market trends to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

FMCG packaging development experience

Strong industry networks

Understanding of sustainability and packaging regulations

Excellent communication skills

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Degree in relevant field

IOP certification or equivalent

Job description

Founded in 2003 Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation.

Wasabi now has 41 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York and in 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento the grocery channel, launching exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co‑op and Morrisons in 2024. Wasabi grocery has seen phenomenal growth and is now a £62m RSV brand. Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready‑meal brand in the market, consistently attracting new customers to the category through an innovative East Asian range.

Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.

We have an ambitious 5‑year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.

As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Food Packaging Development Manager to join our Food Team based in Park Royal.

The Role:

This is a key role, responsible for developing and executing the packaging strategy for Wasabi products in our restaurant and grocery channels, aligned to our ESG ambitions. The incumbent will lead all packaging development requirements, working cross‑functionally with the Food Development, Technical and Manufacturing teams and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute the packaging strategy and policy in line with ESG commitments and sustainability goals. Define the key criteria that shape Wasabi’s packaging identity and ethos. Continue to drive the ESG strategy as new materials and recycling methods emerge. Take responsibility for any statutory reporting relating to packaging. Lead packaging development projects, ensuring compliance with business objectives, operational needs, and regulatory standards. Manage and deliver packaging development based on briefs from the Food, ESG, Marketing, and Operations teams. Proactively identify and initiate “blue sky” packaging projects through industry networks, legislative updates, and conferences – creating a pipeline of innovation beyond the standard briefing process. Support Engineering and Process teams to develop packaging and machinery solutions that improve efficiency and quality. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Technical, Procurement, Marketing, Operations – restaurants and Central Production Unit (CPU) – and the Food team. Act as the central subject‑matter expert on packaging, sustainability, and innovation. Act as the first point of contact for restaurant and CPU teams on packaging‑related issues. Support Procurement in cost optimisation, supplier selection, and relationship management. Monitor market trends, legislation, and technological advances to drive continuous improvement. Stay ahead of developments in packaging materials and recycling methods. Attend industry events, webinars, and trade shows to maintain knowledge leadership. Ensure compliance with EPR, PRN, and ESG reporting requirements; maintain accurate data and use insights to optimise packaging decisions. Promote packaging as a key customer touchpoint and integral part of the Wasabi brand experience. Support smooth product launches through effective packaging trials and testing. Drive improvements in specifications, print management, and supplier performance. Build packaging knowledge across the wider team to strengthen business‑wide expertise.

Our requirements:

• Extensive FMCG packaging development experience, ideally with exposure to both foodservice and retail environments.
• Strong industry networks, with the ability to leverage contacts for innovation and best practice. In‑depth understanding of sustainability, ESG principles, and packaging regulations.
• Degree educated, with professional qualifications such as IOP certification or Degree‑level Apprenticeship in Packaging Professional.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong planning, organisational, and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
• People management experience desirable, with the capability to develop and mentor others.

In return we provide:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Hybrid working model
• Long Service Awards
• Wagestream – a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance Electric
• Vehicle Scheme through Octapus
• Cycle To Work
• Free on‑site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company. Our people make us who we are. Join a company where you’ll have the opportunity to work for a growing company and build a real career.

COME ROLL WITH US!