Packaging & Deployment Engineers

Outcomes First Group; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food group is seeking a Group Packaging Innovation Manager to drive the future of food packaging. You will lead the development of innovative, sustainable packaging solutions while working collaboratively with various teams to ensure concepts are functional and aligned with market trends. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 3-5+ years of experience in packaging development, ideally within the food industry. Strong understanding of packaging materials and project management skills are essential. This is a great opportunity for career growth within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years’ experience in packaging development, ideally in food.
• Deep understanding of food-packaging materials, including flexibles and rigid plastics.
• Hands-on experience with packaging lines and production machinery.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the discovery and development of innovative packaging solutions.
• Work with suppliers and innovators to assess feasibility and build prototypes.
• Shape packaging concepts from scratch in collaboration with various teams.

Skills

Packaging development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Influencing skills

Education

Degree in Packaging Technology

Degree in Materials Science

Degree in Food Science

Degree in Engineering

Job description

Group Packaging Innovation Manager

This is a brand new role for a Group Packaging Innovation Manager – working in a very innovative ambient category with lots of scope for both your development and packaging innovation. You will be the driving force behind the future of food packaging across the entire group. If it’s new, clever, sustainable or game‑changing, you’ll be leading the charge. From breakthrough materials to smarter, greener designs, this role shapes packaging that works brilliantly, looks sharp, and elevates the brand every step of the way.

What you’ll actually be doing

You’ll spearhead the discovery and development of innovative packaging solutions that boost performance, cut environmental impact, and delight consumers. You’ll hunt down new materials, technologies and formats, working with suppliers, start‑ups and innovators to assess feasibility, build prototypes, and run smart trials. You’ll keep one eye on the horizon, tracking trends in sustainability, consumer behaviour, design and regulation, then turn those insights into opportunities for Category Leadership Teams and other key players. You’ll also shape packaging concepts from scratch, working hand‑in‑hand with Development, Marketing, R&D, Operations, Technical, SHE and Procurement to make sure ideas don’t just look good but actually work. Benchmarking best practice, leading projects from concept to launch and keeping everything moving at pace.

Key qualifications

• Degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering or similar
• 3–5+ years’ experience in packaging development/technology (food experience strongly preferred)
• Deep understanding of food‑packaging materials: flexibles, paperboard, rigid plastics, barrier systems, MAP, etc.
• Solid grasp of food safety, hygiene and packaging compliance (EPR, PPT, BRCGS, FCM Regs)
• Hands‑on experience with packaging lines and production machinery
• Top‑tier project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confident, clear communicator – written and verbal
• Strong influencing skills and a bias for action

Requirements and commitment

You’ll thrive here if you come with a relevant degree (Packaging Tech, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, etc.) and 3–5+ years’ real‑world packaging development experience, ideally in food. Solid knowledge of flexibles, paperboard, rigid plastics, barrier systems, MAP is required. The role is based in several UK locations – Scotland, Yorkshire, Manchester or South Wales – and requires comfort with travel to sites and retailer customers. This is a standout opportunity to join one of the UK’s biggest food groups, working with an upbeat, collaborative team that genuinely wants you to grow, stretch and build a long‑term career.