Packaging Sustainability Manager

Confederation of Paper Industries; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading trade association in the UK is seeking a policy officer to influence and shape legislation concerning fibre-based packaging. The ideal candidate will monitor UK and EU policy, engage with stakeholders, and support the development of sustainability standards. With a focus on environmental regulations, strong communication and analytical skills are essential. This role is home-based with regular travel required, ensuring a comprehensive engagement in sustainability initiatives across Europe.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Opportunities for professional development

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, preferably in sustainability or policy.
• Experience in analyzing policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze UK and EU policy developments in packaging.
• Prepare position papers and consultation responses.
• Engage with members to ensure services meet their needs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Relationship-building skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree level education

Postgraduate qualification in sustainability or related field

Job description

Company Description

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling . With a focus on promoting sustainability and resource efficiency, CPI advocates for the positive image of paper as a renewable material while supporting policies that ensure a competitive and sustainable industry. Representing over 80 members across 250 sites with a combined annual turnover of £15million. CPI plays a pivotal role in promoting manufacturing as a cornerstone of the UK economy. The organisation also prioritises reducing regulatory burdens and fostering best practices across the supply chain.

Role Description

The post holder will be responsible for shaping and influencing UK and EU legislation, standards, and sustainability initiatives affecting fibre-based packaging. The role involves monitoring policy developments, analysing industry impacts, preparing position papers and consultation responses, and providing guidance to members on environmental matters. It includes representing CPI at government, regulatory, and industry forums, supporting senior CPI committees, and engaging with members, policymakers and other stakeholders to promote evidence-based, sustainable practices.

Strong communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams, while advocating for the environmental and economic value of fibre-based packaging.

Home based with regular travel to London, Brussels and other locations in the UK and Europe

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and critically analyse UK and EU policy developments affecting the fibre-based packaging sector, including environmental regulations, collection and packaging reforms, food contact materials, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
• Assess and analyse the impact of current and emerging reforms on the packaging sector and prepare position papers, consultation responses, and briefings.
• Provide analytical oversight on sustainability issues, contributing to relevant committees.
• Support the development and revision of standards relevant to fibre-based packaging products.
• Provide secretariat support to CPI committees, including the Corrugated Council and Packaging Regulatory Committee, coordinating meetings, papers, and follow-up actions.
• Represent CPI and its members at government, and industry fora in the UK and EU, including participation in relevant Cepi and FEFCO committees.

Additional responsibilities include :

• Engage proactively with members to ensure CPI services meet their needs and to attract new member organisations.
• Collaborate and build effective relationships with CPI colleagues, external partners, policymakers, and industry bodies to influence balanced and evidence-based legislation.
• Support CPI communications and events to promote the sustainability and value of fibre-based packaging.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, Experience and Knowledge

• Educated to degree level (postgraduate qualification in sustainability, policy, or a related field desirable).
• Preferred : Proven experience working within a regulatory framework.
• Strong understanding of environmental, waste, packaging and sustainability legislation.
• Experience in analysing policy, drafting consultation responses, and developing industry positions on complex regulatory issues.
• Preferred : Demonstrated experience engaging with government departments (e.g. Defra) and / or regulators (e.g. Environment Agency).
• Preferred : Experience supporting boards, committees, or member councils, including preparing agendas, papers, and coordinating meetings.
• Proven ability to represent an organisation effectively at external meetings, conferences, or public fora.
• Track record of building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills- verbal, written, and presentation- with the ability to convey complex technical and policy issues clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving policy environment.
• Skilled at building consensus among varied stakeholders.
• Confident, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Commercially aware and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for members and the wider industry.

Personal Qualities

• Professional, disciplined, and motivated with a positive, solutions-focused attitude.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to embrace change and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and a commitment to CPI’s values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.