Packaging Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Pension scheme

Company share scheme

Medicash & Death in Service

EAP & Cycle to Work

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking a Packaging Manager near Tonbridge, Kent. You will lead the packaging function, store team, and box-making operations to ensure production runs smoothly.

Reporting to the Head of Technical & Packaging, you will own sourcing, stock control, supplier management and team leadership. The role emphasizes cost control, compliance with food safety standards, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 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.

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, 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.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Procurement experience

Supply chain management

Stock control

Forecasting

Purchasing

ERP/SAP systems

Food safety

Hygiene

Traceability

BRC standards

Team leadership

Planning

Numerical skills

Problem solving

Tools

SAP

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, 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