Packaging & Compliance Manager

En Route International; Windsor; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

En Route International in Windsor, UK, is seeking a Packaging & Compliance Manager to lead our global packaging strategy, governance, and regulatory excellence. You will manage a team of packaging technologists, collaborate across functions, and shape innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for a global portfolio.

You will own UK/EU regulations, develop reporting on recycled content and carbon data, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining commercial competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in packaging development for food manufacturing, FMCG, or airline catering.
• Proven experience managing packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrable success leading packaging or technical teams.
• Strong supplier management and project delivery experience.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, ESG, Commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of our global packaging strategy.
• Deliver packaging solutions balancing functionality, sustainability, customer expectations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion packaging innovation with new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques.
• Support business growth through scalable packaging solutions.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Education

Degree in Packaging Technology / Packaging Engineering / Materials Science

Job description

We’re hiring a Packaging & Compliance Manager

We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

Our Values

Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.

Are you a packaging expert with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and regulatory excellence? We’re looking for a Packaging & Compliance Manager to lead our global packaging strategy, drive best-in-class compliance and governance, and shape the future of packaging across our business.

This is a strategically important role that sits at the intersection of packaging development, sustainability, legislation, and commercial performance. You’ll lead a team of packaging technologists, work with cross-functional stakeholders across the business, and ensure our packaging solutions remain innovative, compliant, commercially competitive, and fit for the future.

What you’ll be doing:

As Packaging & Compliance Manager, you will…

• Lead the development and execution of our global packaging strategy.
• Deliver packaging solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, customer expectations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion packaging innovation by identifying new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques that improve performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Support business growth through the development of innovative, scalable packaging solutions.

Lead Packaging Compliance & Governance

• Own all packaging compliance activities, ensuring adherence to UK, EU, and international regulations.
• Keep the business ahead of emerging legislation, including:
  • PPWR
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
  • Plastic Packaging Tax
  • EUDR
  • Other evolving global packaging regulations
• Establish and maintain robust governance processes for packaging specifications, supplier data, and compliance documentation.
• Develop reporting systems and processes to capture packaging composition, recycled content, carbon data, and regulatory metrics.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner with Procurement, Category Development, Technical, Commercial, Creative Services, ESG, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated packaging solutions.
• Provide technical leadership throughout product development projects.
• Support customer presentations, tenders, and packaging workshops with expert packaging knowledge.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Technologists.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Act as the business’s subject matter expert on packaging legislation and compliance.

Required Experience:

• Significant experience within packaging development in food manufacturing, FMCG, airline catering, or a related sector.
• Proven experience managing packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrable success leading packaging or technical teams.
• Strong supplier management and project delivery experience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Procurement, Technical, ESG, Commercial, and Category teams.

Knowledge & Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging technologies.
• Strong understanding of UK, EU, and global packaging legislation.
• Experience developing compliance frameworks, governance processes, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of recyclability, recycled content, lifecycle assessment, and circular economy principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.

Qualifications:

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Packaging Technology, Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of packaging within a growing, international business. You’ll have the autonomy to influence strategy, lead innovation, drive sustainability initiatives, and ensure regulatory excellence across a global packaging portfolio.

If you’re ready to take ownership of a high-impact role and help define the next generation of packaging solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know – we’re here to help!