Group Packaging Development Lead – Sustainable Innovation

The Compleat Food Group; Market Drayton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice schemes

33 days annual leave

Enhanced retail discounts

Free product handouts

EV charging points

GroceryAid access

Wellbeing hub and fitness perks

LMS and training platforms

Job summary

The Compleat Food Group invites applications for the Group Packaging Development Manager to lead packaging format selection, material testing, and feasibility assessments across branded and own-label products. You will drive innovative packaging solutions, aligning with product launches and supplier collaborations to ensure safety and integrity.

Hybrid role with travel to Crewe, Nottingham, Market Drayton; 12-month FTC maternity cover.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food-contact packaging roles.
• Knowledge of packaging materials: Flexible Plastic, Rigid Plastic, Carton board, Corrugate, Aluminium.
• Experience with retailer customers and packaging development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging format and material selection, feasibility, testing.
• Integrate packaging across New Product Development from concept to launch.
• Share packaging innovations with brand managers and business divisions.
• Justify material choices to stakeholders with a focus on safety and integrity.
• Develop packaging for new formats, liaise with suppliers, create cutter guides.
• Oversee packaging development across critical paths and supplier relations.
• Drive packaging innovation with suppliers and track emerging technologies.
• Maintain materials tracker and collaborate with specification managers.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Excel

Driving licence

Packaging materials knowledge

Retailer customer experience

Job description

The Compleat Food Group invites applications for the Group Packaging Development Manager to lead packaging format selection, material testing, and feasibility assessments across branded and own-label products. You will drive innovative packaging solutions, aligning with product launches and supplier collaborations to ensure safety and integrity.

Hybrid role with travel to Crewe, Nottingham, Market Drayton; 12-month FTC maternity cover.