Packaging Development Executive

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

Our client is seeking an NPD Packaging Development Executive to join their fast‑paced, collaborative NPD team. This is a critical hire to support an exceptionally busy period of product development and multiple upcoming launches — ideal for someone who can step in quickly, manage packaging projects confidently, and keep timelines moving.

If you enjoy hands‑on packaging development, solving real production challenges, and working closely with suppliers and customers, this role offers the perfect blend of creativity, coordination and technical problem‑solving.

Why This Role Matters Right Now

With new product launches scheduled for September and a packed innovation pipeline, the team needs someone who can start contributing quickly, keep packaging projects on track, and ensure all materials meet customer, regulatory and production requirements.

You’ll be the link between suppliers, customers, production, quality and NPD — helping the business move from concept to launch smoothly and sustainably.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinating packaging development from concept through to launch
• Managing specifications, artwork checks, approvals and documentation
• Liaising daily with Production, Quality, Technical, Procurement, Marketing and external suppliers/customers
• Running packaging trials and resolving issues (e.g., film damage during transport, production constraints, material behaviour)
• Advising on packaging variations (e.g., glossy vs matt films, suitability for nuts/almonds, impact on production runs)
• Supporting costings, regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations
• Maintaining accurate spreadsheets, timelines and shared documents
• Staying ahead of packaging trends and what’s coming next in materials and formats
• Supporting continuous improvement across quality, sustainability and efficiency

What We’re Looking For

• 2–5 years’ experience in packaging development (FMCG, food, beauty, consumer goods, film, labels, cardboard, ribbons or product‑led manufacturing)
• 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 — you don’t need to be a regulatory expert; support is provided
• Strong communicator with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive, enthusiastic and able to juggle multiple projects
• A genuine team player — grounded, humble, fun, foodie‑friendly, no egos
• Comfortable with 3–4 days per week in the office

Culture & Team Fit

You’ll be joining a supportive, close‑knit team who work hard, laugh often, and genuinely enjoy what they do. They value collaboration, humility, curiosity and a sense of humour — and they’re looking for someone who will slot in seamlessly.