Packaging Development Manager

pladis; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global snacks company in Manchester is seeking a Packaging Development Manager to join their Central R&D Packaging team. This hybrid role involves driving innovation and growth across UK & Europe through effective packaging initiatives. Ideal candidates will have FMCG experience, strong knowledge of packaging materials, and project management skills. Join us in shaping the future of packaging at a beloved snack brand.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Plan

Health Cash Plan

Private medical Insurance

Stakeholder Pension Scheme

25 days bank holidays

Cycle to work scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in Packaging Technical roles within FMCG.
• Proficiency in packaging materials and machinery interfaces.
• Experience in factory trials and performance characteristic evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver packaging programmes collaborating with multiple teams.
• Manage packaging specifications for compliance.
• Develop innovative packaging solutions with the Packaging team.

Skills

FMCG experience

Packaging materials knowledge

Project management

Basic Food Hygiene knowledge

Education

Diploma in Packaging Technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Want to help us bring happiness to the world Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands infrastructure and people Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands we dont compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose‑led resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing then pladis offers global ambition a clear Vision and roadmap for success challenge and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

Click Apply to get started.

Are you ready to shape the future of packaging at one of the UKs most beloved snacking brands At our Manchester site where the legendary Jaffa Cakes are made were looking for a Packaging Development Manager to join our Central R&D Packaging team.

In this pivotal role youll drive innovation and growth across the UK & Europe region leading packaging initiatives that unlock new technologies and asset‑driven opportunities. If youre passionate about packaging that delivers both performance and consumer delight wed love to hear from you.

This is a hybrid role with occasional travel to our Halifax site for seasonal projects.

What will be your key deliverables

• Deliver packaging programmes in collaboration with Marketing Product Development and Operations focusing on new / improved packaging and cost efficiency.
• Own and manage packaging specifications ensuring compliance with legislative regulatory and functional requirements.
• Support sites and collaborate with the Packaging team to develop and implement innovative packaging solutions.
• Provide project management oversight including documentation time‑plans risk assessments and stakeholder communication.
• Contribute packaging expertise to strategic procurement initiatives like CBR and VIN working with Strategic Material Teams.
• Lead documentation and testing for packaging formats including trials technical standards and post‑implementation reviews.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Experience in an FMCG environment or Packaging Manufacturer in a hands‑on Packaging Technical role with a proficiency across a broad range of packaging materials and their respective machinery interfaces.
• Sound understanding of : - business terminology product to market and technical systems common business tools and databases Microsoft Office SAP
• Exceptional understanding of performance characteristics of flexible plastics rigid plastics carton board corrugated & tins
• Experience in planning handling and reviewing factory trials
• A proven knowledge of Basic Food Hygiene

Desirable

• Diploma in Packaging Technology or equivalent with packaging experience
• A proven knowledge of Basic Food Hygiene

What will the interview process be

• 1st stage interview 45 minutes competency‑based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview 60 minutes a technical interview to understand your skill set / case study or presentation interview.

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ but we will keep you updated!

What does pladis offer you

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) this is the businesss annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self‑enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days bank holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Our Purpose

Bring happiness with every bite

Its a purpose that every one of our colleagues all around the world believes in. And while were all unique we also share the same values.

Each of our values is important on its combination theyre especially powerful.

Our values have deep personal meaning to us. Theyre part of who we are and what we stand for as an employer

Living our pladis values is a key part of success look out for questions in your interview that link to these key pladis values.

Our Values

Purpose led Were energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile Were ever evolving we never stand still always improving for our customers and our consumers

Positive Were highly motivated optimistic fearless and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - Were persistent in the face of setbacks quick to adapt learn and move forward

Collaborative We gain strength from operating as one pladis winning and succeeding together.

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer like every excellent recipe were a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work thats as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support live and work in all around the world. Where every voice is heard and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform key job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race color sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin marital status veteran status disability age religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy you must have agreed to and signed our terms of business.

We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

Access Control,B.Com,CAD,Drafting,Market Research,Data Analysis

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1