Group Packaging Technologist

AVARA FOODS LIMITED; Telford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food business in the UK is looking for a Group Packaging Technologist to join their Technical Team. Responsibilities include developing innovative packaging solutions and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Ideal candidates should have a strong understanding of packaging materials and at least 2 years of relevant experience. This role offers a salary starting from £35,000 and a variety of employee benefits.

Benefits

31 days holiday allowance

Secure contract with career development opportunities

Subsidised staff canteen

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Benefit Scheme

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in packaging development within an FMCG environment.
• Proven track record in coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of functional properties of packaging materials.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate packaging materials knowledge across Avara's product range.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues and provide expert guidance.
• Promote sustainable packaging options that meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Packaging material knowledge

Sustainability practices

New product development (NPD)

Project management

Education

Recognized qualification in Food Science, Technical, or Engineering

Job description

Overview

About the Role: Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and well-known restaurants. We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and to the customer door. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 350 farms. We are looking for a Group Packaging Technologist to join our Technical Team, based at either the Dudley, Telford or Hereford sites. The role can be undertaken by graduates as well as experienced professionals. Working hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of packaging materials, sustainability practices, and new product development (NPD) processes within the food industry. You will support the development, design, and execution of packaging solutions and foodservice products, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, cost targets, and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of packaging materials used across Avara's product range.
• Function as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting packaging-related issues and offering expert guidance to internal teams.
• Identify and promote sustainable packaging options that are environmentally friendly and fit for purpose.
• Stay up to date with relevant industry regulations (e.g., OPRL, EPR, Plastic Tax) to ensure packaging compliance.
• Consult with packaging suppliers to secure samples, obtain necessary technical information, and stay abreast of new developments and innovations in packaging materials.
• Assist in the design and creation of new packaging concepts and product formats at the concept stage.
• Coordinate and execute factory feasibility trials to evaluate packaging material suitability, including transit trials and product performance analysis.
• Use trial results to ensure accurate costings and refine packaging designs.
• Present new packaging concepts and solutions to internal teams and external stakeholders as required.
• Create cutter guides for labels, sleeves, bags, and printed films to ensure accurate production and packaging specifications.
• Lead the management of packaging and Foodservice NPD product launches, ensuring seamless execution throughout the Avara NPD process.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, ensuring all departments complete their tasks in line with agreed timelines.
• Attend and support site-based NPD meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals.
• Collaborate with external suppliers and the Avara insight team to develop innovative product concepts for the foodservice sector.
• Ensure all developed concepts meet costing targets, ingredient specifications, nutritional requirements, and factory capabilities.
• Oversee and manage factory trials to ensure products pass microbiological, organoleptic, and nutritional assessments.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in packaging development within an FMCG environment, preferably with experience in the meat or poultry sectors.
• Proven track record in managing critical paths and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful packaging and product launches.
• Strong understanding of the functional properties of various packaging materials.
• A recognized qualification in Food Science, Technical, or Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement efficiency improvements within packaging processes.

Benefits

• From £35,000 per annum
• 31 days holiday allowance
• Secure contract with long term career development opportunities
• Straight forward pension contribution of 6%
• Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
• Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salaried Advance Finance
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, which includes unlimited remote GP appointments and unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy, medical second opinion, and other discounts and perks