Packaging Sustainability Delivery Manager

CO-OP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company based in Manchester is looking for a Packaging Sustainability Delivery Manager to shape and deliver its packaging sustainability strategy. In this role, you will work closely with various teams and suppliers, supporting sustainability goals and reporting obligations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in packaging and excellent communication skills. This position offers competitive benefits, including discounts and a pension scheme.

Benefits

30% off Co-op products

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Access to onsite gym

Career development coaching

Wagestream app access

Qualifications

• Strong interest in packaging sustainability.
• Extensive experience in the packaging industry.
• Experience managing and reporting on packaging initiatives.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Be a subject matter expert on packaging materials.
• Support data reporting needs around packaging.
• Lead sustainability plans across teams.
• Collaborate with Technical, Product Development, and Commercial teams.
• Engage with suppliers and monitor sustainability performance.

Skills

Packaging sustainability knowledge

Communication skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

We're looking for a Packaging Sustainability Delivery Manager to join our team at Co-op. You'll help shape and deliver our packaging sustainability strategy, working closely with teams across Sustainability, Commercial, Technical, and New Product Development, as well as our external suppliers. From reducing costs in our packaging supply chain to supporting our Net Zero goals, you'll play a key role in making it happen. You'll also support our data reporting for mandatory and voluntary obligations such as EPR, DRS, and Scope 3 carbon accounting. Your expertise will help us deliver meaningful change, ensuring Co-op makes a lasting impact for our suppliers, communities, and member-owners.

What you'll do

1. Be a subject matter expert on packaging materials, providing advice and guidance to colleagues and suppliers.
2. Support our data reporting needs around packaging.
3. Lead and manage sustainability plans across supplier and internal teams to support our decarbonisation targets and broader sustainability commitments.
4. Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, Product Development, Commercial, and Sustainability teams on priority projects and initiatives.
5. Engage with suppliers and categories, driving progress, monitoring activity, and reporting on sustainability performance.
6. Project manage specific sustainability activities in support of supplier activity or sustainability plans.
7. Champion sustainability across internal and external teams, ensuring it remains a priority in decision-making.
8. Represent Co-op at external meetings and conferences, such as with the UK Plastics Pact.

Qualifications and Skills

• A strong interest in packaging sustainability.
• Extensive experience in the packaging industry and broad knowledge of packaging materials.
• Experience managing and reporting on packaging initiatives to meet targets.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and challenging skills with internal and external partners.
• Ability to develop relationships and work in cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, including 30% off Co-op products in our stores and other discounts.
• Annual bonus based on personal and business performance.
• 28 days holiday, rising to 32 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions.
• Access to onsite gym at our Manchester HQ.
• Career development coaching and training.
• Wagestream app for accessing a portion of your pay as you earn.

Building a Diverse Environment

We actively build diverse teams and welcome applications from everyone. We can make reasonable adjustments during recruitment for candidates with disabilities. As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. When you apply, you'll be asked if you'd like consideration under this scheme, and if invited for interview, we'll ask about any reasonable adjustments needed.