Packaging Compliance Technologist (FTC 18 Months)

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

Mars Benefits package

Hybrid working

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Slough, UK, is hiring a Packaging Compliance Technologist on a fixed-term 18-month contract. The role focuses on packaging safety, sustainability governance, and regulatory compliance across D&T’s diverse products, including beverages and snacks.

The position operates in a hybrid setup with a salary of £36,000–£42,000 plus bonus and benefits. You will own PRAs, support PPWR readiness, and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry is required.
• Experience in packaging development, QA, regulatory compliance or R&D in FMCG/Food & Beverage is needed.
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability, PPWR requirements and food contact legislation is essential.
• Familiarity with HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS/GFSI is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs) across the D&T portfolio.
• Support PPWR and sustainability compliance including recyclability criteria and recycled content tracking.
• Serve as technical contact with packaging suppliers for specifications, DoCs and test reports.
• Track and report the status of compliance workstreams and milestones to the Line Manager and R&D team.
• Identify opportunities to streamline packaging compliance processes and data capture.
• Collaborate with the D&T Packaging & R&D team, sharing best-practice expertise.

Skills

Packaging compliance

Data management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Science/Materials/Chemical Engineering/ Chemistry, etc.

Job description

Job Description:

Packaging Compliance Technologist (FTC 18 Months)

Location: Slough, UK (Hybrid Working)

Segment / Business Unit: Mars Drinks & Treats (D&T)

Function: Research & Development (R&D) – Packaging

Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

Salary: £36,000 – £42,000 (depending on experience) + Annual Bonus & Mars Comprehensive Benefits

Role Overview

Join the dynamic Mars Drinks & Treats (D&T) R&D team as a Packaging Compliance Technologist on an 18-month fixed-term contract. In this critical technical role, you will champion packaging safety, sustainability governance, and legal compliance across D&T’s diverse product portfolio (spanning drinks, treats, desserts, and snacking).

You will take direct ownership of Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs) and support compliance readiness for key European and global packaging legislation, specifically the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Collaborating closely with external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and cross-functional teams, you will ensure all primary packaging formats (flexibles, rigids, paperboard, foils) strictly adhere to food contact safety laws, quality standards, and recyclability mandates.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience & Technical Knowledge:

  • Consistent experience in packaging development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or technical R&D within the FMCG / Food & Beverage industry.
  • Solid understanding of packaging materials and formats (flexible films, rigid plastics, paperboard, laminates).
  • Knowledge of packaging sustainability and regulatory landscapes, including PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) requirements, recyclability design, and food contact legislation.
  • Familiarity with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS / GFSI).
  • Prior experience working within a food manufacturing or external manufacturing / co-man setup is highly desirable.

• Skills & Mindset:

  • Strong quality mindset aligned with The Five Principles of Mars.
  • High attention to detail with strong data management, documentation, and technical reporting skills.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with packaging converters, material suppliers, and internal R&D stakeholders.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

• Deliver Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs): Lead and deliver robust Packaging Risk Assessments across the entire D&T portfolio covering primary packaging types (flexibles, rigids, paper, barrier materials) to a high standard and within agreed timelines.

• Support PPWR & Sustainability Compliance: Support the assessment, data gathering, and compliance readiness for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), including recyclability criteria, recycled content tracking, and packaging minimization targets across D&T formats.

• Supplier Interface & Documentation: Act as the primary technical contact with packaging suppliers to secure specifications, Declarations of Compliance (DoCs), migration test reports, recyclability assessments, and PPWR technical dossiers.

• Tracking & Governance Reporting: Track, manage, and regularly report the status of compliance workstreams, risk assessments, and PPWR milestones to the Line Manager and broader R&D team.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline packaging compliance processes, data capture systems, and risk‑assessment turnaround times within D&T.

• Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Support the wider D&T Packaging & R&D team as a reliable peer and backup, building and sharing best‑practice expertise in packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site: https://careers.mars.com/global/en

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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