NPD Packaging Lead: Fast-Track Innovation & Launches

Illuminate Recruitment Ltd; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate Recruitment Ltd is assisting a client in recruiting an NPD Packaging Development Executive to join a fast-paced, collaborative NPD team. You will oversee packaging projects from concept to launch, manage specifications and artwork checks, and coordinate documentation with production, quality and external partners.

With 2–5 years of packaging development experience, you will bring strong materials knowledge, be comfortable with spreadsheets, and thrive in a proactive, team-driven

Qualifications

• 2–5 years in packaging development (FMCG, food, beauty, consumer goods, film, labels, cardboard, ribbons)
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, films, specifications and development processes
• Experience with artwork checks, approvals and cross-checking with suppliers/customers
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets and shared project trackers
• Confident liaising with suppliers and customers; support is provided
• Strong communicator with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive, enthusiastic and able to juggle multiple projects
• Genuine team player—grounded, humble, fun, foodie-friendly, no egos
• Comfortable with 3–4 days per week in the office

Responsibilities

• Coordinate packaging development from concept through to launch
• Manage specifications, artwork checks, approvals and documentation
• Liaise daily with Production, Quality, Technical, Procurement, Marketing and external suppliers/customers
• Run packaging trials and resolve issues (e.g., film damage, production constraints)
• Advise on packaging variations (glossy vs matt films, nuts/almonds suitability)
• Support costings, regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations
• Maintain accurate spreadsheets, timelines and shared documents
• Stay ahead of packaging trends and future formats
• Support continuous improvement across quality, sustainability and efficiency

Skills

Packaging development

Materials & films knowledge

Artwork checks & approvals

Spreadsheets & project trackers

Supplier & customer liaison

Communication & attention to detail

Team player & collaboration

Tools

Project trackers

Job description

Illuminate Recruitment Ltd is assisting a client in recruiting an NPD Packaging Development Executive to join a fast-paced, collaborative NPD team. You will oversee packaging projects from concept to launch, manage specifications and artwork checks, and coordinate documentation with production, quality and external partners.

With 2–5 years of packaging development experience, you will bring strong materials knowledge, be comfortable with spreadsheets, and thrive in a proactive, team-driven