Head of Packaging

Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC) UK; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK biscuit manufacturer is seeking a Head of Packaging to develop and execute the packaging strategy. The ideal candidate will have significant FMCG packaging experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in packaging technologies. This role offers a hybrid work environment and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive culture.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Professional development opportunities

Strong community values

Qualifications

• Significant experience in an FMCG packaging role.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Proficient in packaging machinery and materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the packaging strategy for FBC UK.
• Manage a team of packaging experts for delivery of packaging pipeline.
• Drive sustainability initiatives within packaging.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Strategic Planning

Problem-Solving

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Certifications like PMP or APICS

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Date: Sep 8, 2025

Location:
St Albans / Batley, GB

Place of Work: Hybrid

Company Description

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ……And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).

FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company.

We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Albans. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations.

We are currently the second biscuit manufacturer in the UK market with a strong ambition of becoming UK Market Leader.

Whilst we know that we have delicious products we also know that the key ingredient to our success is our people, and the passion we have for our brands. You could be the jammy to our dodger, party ring to our Fox’s or the choc-chip to our Maryland?! We knead people with innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the commitment to drive FBC UK to success.

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact.

We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues’ professional and personal growth. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can learn from each other and grow through a variety of learning experiences.

Our colleagues make our business special. With strong community values, we believe FBC UK is a more prosperous and fun place to work when people feel free to be themselves. We believe in the power of being authentic, entrepreneurial and supporting each other whilst meeting our business goals.

About The Role

As Head of Packaging you will report into the Retailer Brand and Partnerships Director with responsibility for the development, co-ordination and execution of the FBC UK Packaging Strategy.

You will provide expertise and inspiration to help shape and deliver the packaging strategy for the business with a keen eye on the competitive market to keep the business abreast of innovation and developments relevant to our market. Driving the sustainability agenda from a packaging perspective to help deliver in line with business expectations on materials and reduction targets. You will manage, develop and inspire a team of packaging experts responsible for delivery of the packaging pipeline, ensuring fit for purpose solutions to keep us ahead of the market.

Developing excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders with a focus on best practise ways of working, will be vital to the success of this role.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with key stakeholders to identify the requirement for and to develop and deliver a development pipeline across our core portfolio to ensure we are fit for the future.
• Develop a benchmarking programme of all relevant packaging, to ensure awareness of the latest competitive developments.
• To use primary and secondary data sources (in-house, suppliers and professional networks) to predict global trends and provide packaging innovation insight to aid the FBC UK strategy process
• To identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives for packaging and packaging technologies (including review of current processes)
• To identify opportunities to enhance trade margin delivery via value engineering across the product portfolio, without compromising product quality.
• Drive excellence in packaging development - providing insight and expertise on material innovation and technical developments.
• Ensure the packaging trial programme for new developments is managed effectively and fit for purpose.
• To undertake hiring, training and performance evaluation of the R&D Packaging team, recommending and implementing development plans.
• To ensure suppliers where possible are used to their optimum potential in supporting the implementation of the Innovation and wider Packaging Development programmes.
• Develop strong understanding of retailers needs and strategies.
• Provide annual analysis and reporting on packaging sustainability, tax and usage in line with external and internal requirements.
• Encourage a proactive, can-do attitude within the R&D team and wider business
• Drive best practise across all areas of the process from ideation through to launch and post launch.

Essential Experience

• Key ingredients for the role: Significant experience at a senior level in an FMCG packaging role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage teams and collaborate with other departments.
• Ability to define and execute strategy, leading cross functional teams and managing complex projects from concept to execution including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency with packaging machinery, materials, and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Understanding of industry standards, health and safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Ability to address and resolve issues efficiently, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Desirable Experience

• A Bachelor\'s Degree in a related field such as Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Understanding of UK retailer packaging requirements.
• Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management), or certifications from the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)

Technical Expertise

• Material Knowledge: Understanding the properties and applications of various packaging materials like plastic, cardboard, glass, and biodegradable options
• Design Skills: Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks for creating and optimizing packaging design
• Team Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
• Project Management: Skills in managing multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints
• Creative Problem-Solving: Developing innovative packaging solutions that enhance product appeal and functionality
• Technology Utilisation: Leveraging advanced technologies like 3D prototyping and digital simulations to streamline the design process
• Sustainable Practices: Implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions and reducing waste to align with environmental goals
• Cost Reduction: Identifying opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining or improving packaging quality
• Analytics: Using data to make informed decisions about packaging materials, consumer preferences, and cost-effectiveness
• Metrics Tracking: Monitoring key performance indicators such as cost per unit, consumer feedback, and waste reduction
• Effective Communication: Establishing clear communication channels within the team and with other departments
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations

Diversity Statement

FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.