GB&I Packaging R&D Lead: Innovation & Sustainability

Suntory Holdings Limited; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Holdings Limited in the GB&I region is seeking a Packaging Leader to translate strategy into practical packaging solutions on site, driving innovation, sustainability, quality and production improvements. You will lead the packaging team across Europe, collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations, and oversee capital projects while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost optimization.

This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of packaging across Suntory-owned

Qualifications

• Engineering or Packaging Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Solid experience in R&D, Production, Packaging, Process supplier, or QEHS roles.
• Experience in the Food or Beverage industry.
• Strong project management and people management skills.
• Leadership and business acumen.
• Technical knowledge of the full product chain (liquid, pack, process).
• Fluent English and local language proficiency.
• Experience with sustainability and regulatory compliance in packaging.
• Familiarity with SAP and data management systems.
• Experience working in multi-location and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GB&I packaging team to deliver packaging innovation, sustainability, and business continuity projects on time and within budget.
• Play an active role in the European packaging leadership team and community, sharing learnings and encouraging cross-pollination of ideas, technologies and innovations.
• Contribute to defining and implementing R&D and Business Unit strategic plans related to packaging and innovation.
• Implement the sustainable packaging strategy for the GB&I market.
• Govern innovation and renovation projects as a member of the S&G meeting.
• Validate and report on cost optimization and savings projects.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of the local packaging portfolio.
• Coordinate packaging activities across Suntory-owned factories and third-party manufacturers.
• Establish and maintain robust business continuity plans for critical packaging components in collaboration with procurement and supply chain.
• Manage packaging development and on-line implementation projects, ensuring successful launches.
• Prioritize projects and resources effectively based on business needs.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate packaging specifications and bill of materials databases.
• Lead selected strategic packaging projects at the Business Unit level, including capital expenditure proposals and stakeholder coordination.
• Develop the R&D packaging team and optimize ways of working at local and SBFE levels.

Skills

Packaging leadership

R&D and packaging

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

SAP

Data management systems

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Packaging

Tools

SAP

Production systems

Job description

Suntory Holdings Limited in the GB&I region is seeking a Packaging Leader to translate strategy into practical packaging solutions on site, driving innovation, sustainability, quality and production improvements. You will lead the packaging team across Europe, collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations, and oversee capital projects while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost optimization.

This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of packaging across Suntory-owned