Packaging Manager

Saputo Inc.; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

Private Healthcare

Flexible and hybrid working

Pension contributions

Health cash plan

Thrive app

Long service recognition

Life assurance

Discounted branded products

Free onsite parking

Staff restaurant

25 holidays + 8 bank holidays

Job summary

Saputo is seeking a Packaging Manager for our Kirkby site in the UK, with a hybrid working option up to one day per week. You will lead end-to-end packaging development for Butter, Spreads & Oils, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and value engineering to support growth.

You will manage projects from concept to launch, collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to deliver robust packaging solutions and improvements across a growing portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience leading packaging development projects in FMCG environments.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, formats and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing projects through a stage-gate process.
• Commercial mindset balancing innovation, cost and feasibility.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development across NPD, innovation, sustainability and cost optimisation projects.
• Manage packaging activities through the full stage-gate process, ensuring on-time, on-cost delivery.
• Develop new packaging formats, materials and technologies for brand enhancement.
• Oversee trial activity including line trials, transit testing and material validation.
• Ensure due diligence and compliance at all development stages.
• Support sites with technical packaging challenges and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to a sustainability roadmap aligned to Saputo commitments.
• Identify and build partnerships with external suppliers and technology partners.

Skills

Packaging development

FMCG experience

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality, we’re looking for a Packaging Manager to help shape the next generation of packaging across our Butter, Spreads & Oils category. If you’re passionate about packaging innovation and enjoy turning ideas into reality, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Leading the end-to-end development of packaging solutions across a diverse and growing portfolio, from concept through to launch. You’ll play a key role in delivering innovation, sustainability, and value engineering initiatives that support our growth ambitions.

This role is based at our Kirkby site with the option to work from home up to one day per week based on business need. Candidates must be able to work onsite at our Kirkby site a minimum of 4 days per week.

Work pattern: Monday–Friday, 37 hours per week.

YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY …

• Leading packaging development across NPD, innovation, sustainability and cost optimisation projects
• Managing packaging activities through the full stage-gate process, ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality
• Developing new packaging formats, materials, and technologies to enhance our brands
• Overseeing trial activity including line trials, transit testing, and material validation
• Ensuring robust due diligence and compliance at every stage of development
• Supporting sites with technical packaging challenges and continuous improvement
• Contributing to and deliver a packaging sustainability roadmap aligned to our Saputo Promise commitments
• Identifying and build partnerships with external suppliers and technology partners

YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU HAVE …

• Proven experience in packaging development within FMCG (ideally food)
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, formats, and manufacturing processes
• Experience managing projects through a stage-gate process
• A commercial mindset with the ability to balance innovation, cost, and feasibility
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for innovation

WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH …

• Annual bonus scheme (paid quarterly)
• Private Healthcare
• Flexible and hybrid working approach
• Autonomous and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Health cash plan - claim money back towards essential healthcare such as dental, eye care etc.
• Access to Thrive 24-hours a day - a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
• Long service recognised every 5 years
• Life assurance up to 4 x contractual pay
• Discounted branded products
• Free, onsite parking
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• 25 holidays + 8 bank holidays
• One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institutions of your choice
• Opportunity to swap traditional UK holidays for dates significant to your cultural and religious beliefs
• My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings - providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers.

For additional information on our benefits please go to uk.saputo.com/en/carees/employee-benefits

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.

To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.