Packaging Manager

Drnewitt; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £38-£42k

33 days leave

Pension scheme

Medicash & Death in Service

EAP & Cycle to Work

On-site parking

Learning & development

Job summary

Drnewitt is seeking a Packaging Manager near Tonbridge to lead the packaging function, store team, and box-making operations. You will own sourcing materials, stock control, supplier management, and team leadership to ensure seamless production.

Reporting to the Head of Technical & Packaging, the role requires strong experience in packaging or supply chain within FMCG or manufacturing, with a focus on cost control, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in packaging, procurement, or supply chain management within Food/Fresh Produce/FMCG/Manufacturing.
• Strong stock control, forecasting, purchasing, and SAP/ERP systems.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, traceability, and BRC audit standards.
• Experience managing, training, and developing operational teams.
• Excellent planning, numerical, and problem-solving skills with a safety-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Source packaging, labels, and indirect materials while balancing quality, cost, and service levels.
• Lead operatives, store personnel (4 heads inc Supervisor), and box-making operations to meet daily demand.
• Oversee stock valuations, forecasts, replenishment, obsolete stock, and SAP codes to prevent downtime.
• Ensure compliance with BRC standards, food safety regulations, hygiene and traceability procedures.
• Resolve supplier quality issues and drive continuous improvement across packaging operations.

Skills

Packaging experience

Procurement

Supply chain management

ERP/SAP

Food safety & BRC

Team leadership

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Packaging Manager

Near Tonbridge, Kent

£38,000 – £42,000 per annum

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours per week)

Fresh Produce / FMCG Manufacturing

Are you an experienced Packaging or Supply Chain professional looking for a high-impact leadership role within a fast-paced environment?

About the Role

A leading business in the fresh produce industry is seeking a proactive Packaging Manager to lead their packaging function, store team, and box-making operations near Tonbridge. Reporting to the Head of Technical & Packaging, you will take full ownership of sourcing materials, stock control, supplier management, and team leadership to keep production running seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities

• Source packaging, labels, and indirect materials, balancing quality, cost, and service level agreements while driving sustainable cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage, mentor, and schedule operatives, store personnel(4 heads inc Supervisor), and box-making operations to meet daily production demand safely and efficiently.
• Oversee stock valuations, review forecasts, control replenishment, manage obsolete stock, and maintain accurate SAP material codes to prevent downtime.
• Ensure full compliance with BRC standards, food safety regulations, hygiene requirements, and internal traceability procedures.
• Resolve supplier quality issues, manage equipment performance, and continuous improvement across the packaging operation.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in packaging, procurement, or supply chain management within Food, Fresh Produce, FMCG, or Manufacturing environments.
• Strong expertise in stock control, forecasting, purchasing, and ERP/SAP systems.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, traceability, and BRC audit standards.
• Practical experience managing, training, and developing operational teams.
• Excellent planning, numerical, and problem-solving skills with a commercial and safety-first mindset.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 dependent on experience
• Holiday: 33 days annual leave (6.6 weeks including bank holidays)
• Pension scheme & optional company share scheme
• Medicash & Death in Service benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) & Cycle to Work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Excellent learning and development opportunities