Packaging Specialist (Sustainability)

Aldi UK; Atherstone; Hybrid; GBP 37,545 - 43,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working 2 days remote

5 weeks’ annual leave

Private medical insurance after 4 yrs

Employee benefits (MyBenefits)

Job summary

Aldi UK is seeking a Packaging Specialist to lead packaging optimisation projects across stakeholders and drive cost efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. The role focuses on translating packaging strategies into practical improvements across products and supplier collaborations.

You will analyse data, collaborate with Aldi Buying teams and the Compliance/Systems group to align packaging initiatives with the business and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial role within retail or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver packaging optimisation projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project outcomes align with business objectives.
• Analyse data to generate actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Work autonomously and take ownership of projects to drive development.
• Partner with Global Packaging Hub to ensure regulatory compliance and integration.

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Global Packaging Hub sits at the heart of Aldi’s ambition to lead the way in smarter, cost-effective and compliant packaging. This team plays a critical role in shaping and delivering Aldi’s packaging strategy across all Aldi South markets, with a particular focus on GB/IE - balancing commercial performance, environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance,

As a Packaging Specialist, you will be part of a dynamic team driving real change. You’ll play a key role in bringing packaging strategies to life - implementing processes and leading projects that optimise product packaging. From reducing costs to ensuring full compliance, your work will directly influence product quality, efficiency, and customer perception across the business.

Your New Role

• Lead and deliver packaging optimisation projects across multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, packaging manufacturers, and Aldi Buying teams.


• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes aligned with business objectives.


• Analyse and interpret data to generate clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.


• Work autonomously with confidence, taking ownership of projects and driving continuous personal and professional development.


• Partner with the Global Packaging Hub (Compliance, Systems and Processes team) to ensure packaging initiatives align with regulatory requirements, system capabilities, and overall commercial strategy.


• Proactively engage with internal departments, including National Buying, identifying opportunities and bringing forward new ideas without direct management guidance.


• Manage and prioritise multiple competing workstreams, confidently proposing solutions that deliver the best overall outcome for Aldi.


• Communicate recommendations and decisions clearly, concisely, and with impact, considering the wider business context beyond own function.


• Ensure packaging optimisation initiatives are integrated effectively within the Aldi Buying process at the appropriate stages.


• Utilise and apply knowledge of APP, and CTS processes to support project delivery and integration.

About You

• Experience working in a commercial role within the retail or manufacturing sector.


• Highly advantageous to have a knowledge of UK/EU Packaging legislation, including: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN’s), Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).


• Understanding of end-to-end packaging lifecycle.


• Technical Packaging Knowledge.


• Strong attention to detail.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.


• A strong level of resilience and the ability to operate under pressure.


• Intellectually curious and takes initiative.


• Strategic thinker – able to consider multiple priorities to create a business case.


• Stakeholder co-ordination across multiple disciplines and internationally.

What You’ll get in Return

• Salary starting from £37,545 rising to £43,840


• 18-month Fixed Term Contract


• Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with the opportunity of 2 days a week remote working


• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays


• In office flexi-time


• Full training provided


• Private employee medical insurance after 4 years


• Company maternity, paternity and adoption pay after 1 year


• Long service rewards


• Access to MyBenefits, where you can find a wide range of benefits, including our bike to work scheme, shopping and cinema discounts, health cash plan, a FREE will, travel and discounted gym memberships, as well as a host of benefits to support your financial and wellbeing needs


• Access to a free,24/7, confidential virtual GP service for all Aldi Colleagues and their children (under the age of 16)

*You’ll need to live within 90 minutes of your main working location

*Please be aware that this role does not fulfil the requirements for visa sponsorship

Aldi is an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and are dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion, providing an environment in which collaboration, respect and fairness are essential. We value diversity and are dedicated to treating all of our colleagues and prospective colleagues fairly and with respect.