Packaging Development Manager

The Sterling Choice; Beverley; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Annual bonus

Pension contribution

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is seeking a Packaging Development Manager for our Teesside operation. You will influence senior stakeholders, lead a packaging team, and shape the agenda across two manufacturing sites while guiding day-to-day activity on the flagship site.

You will manage packaging development, work closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing and Technical teams, and drive cost reduction, sustainability and continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Senior packaging development experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Experience with flexible plastics, corrugated packaging and factory trials.
• Strong leadership experience and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, EPR legislation and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development across two UK sites and the Teesside operation.
• Manage packaging specifications, artwork, trials and implementation.
• Drive cost reduction, sustainability and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing and Technical teams.
• Support capital projects from a packaging perspective.
• Coach and develop the team and deputise for Head of Packaging when needed.
• Lead day-to-day activity on the flagship site.

Job description

Packaging Development Manager

Teesside | £50,000 - £55,000 + £6,000 Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

You're not looking for someone to choose a different shade of blue for a box.

You're looking for someone who can influence senior stakeholders, lead people, solve problems on the factory floor and make packaging decisions that genuinely improve the business.

If you're the kind of Packaging professional who enjoys being close to the operation rather than sitting behind a desk all day, this could be worth a look.

This is a senior Packaging Development role where you'll work closely with the Head of Packaging, helping shape the packaging agenda across two manufacturing sites while leading the day‑to‑day activity at the flagship operation.

You'll manage an experienced Packaging Technologist from day one, with the team set to grow over time, and you'll be trusted to step up and lead whenever needed.

The role is based on site in Teesside. Like any sensible business, there's flexibility for the odd appointment or admin day when it makes sense, but this is a role that's best done close to the factory floor, working alongside the people who make things happen.

What you'll be doing

• Leading packaging development across a busy food manufacturing site, while supporting a second UK location.
• Managing packaging specifications, artwork, factory trials and implementation.
• Driving cost reduction, sustainability and continuous improvement projects.
• Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing and Technical teams.
• Supporting capital projects from a packaging perspective.
• Coaching and developing your team while influencing stakeholders across the business.
• Acting as deputy to the Head of Packaging when required.

What you'll bring

• Packaging Development experience within FMCG food manufacturing and comfort taking ownership of projects from concept through to launch.
• Experience with flexible plastics, corrugated packaging and factory trials is essential, along with strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to influence people at all levels.
• Leadership experience: whether you have led a team already or have built your career around leading projects and bringing people with you, you’ll have the credibility to make things happen.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, EPR legislation and capital projects would be a real advantage.

What's in it for you?

• £50,000-£55,000 salary.
• £6,000 car allowance.
• 7.5% annual bonus (which has consistently paid above target).
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution.
• A genuine opportunity to influence both strategy and day‑to‑day delivery.
• Clear visibility with senior leadership and plenty of scope to make your mark.

If you're ready for a role that combines technical expertise, leadership and the opportunity to shape the future of packaging across a growing manufacturing business, we'd love to tell you more.

Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation.