Packaging Technologist

Gap Personnel; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Gap Personnel is recruiting a Packaging Technologist for a leading food manufacturer in Devon. The role covers managing and developing packaging for branded and retailer products, owning specifications, data and development projects to ensure compliant, sustainable and cost-effective packaging.

You will collaborate with Technical, NPD, Procurement, Production, Engineering, Sales and Marketing to support launches, trials, artwork approvals, supplier development and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging technology or similar technical role.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Good knowledge of packaging materials and their applications.
• Excellent communication across departments.
• Proactive, practical problem-solving approach.
• Competent Microsoft Office and IT skills.
• Experience with retailer own-label, Valpak/EPR reporting or sustainability would be beneficial.
• Qualification in Packaging Technology or Food Science is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage packaging throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Develop, review and maintain accurate packaging specifications.
• Lead packaging development for new products, packaging changes and improvement projects.
• Evaluate packaging materials based on suitability, sustainability, functionality and cost.
• Coordinate factory packaging trials and transit testing.
• Work alongside NPD on shelf-life testing for new products and packaging materials.
• Manage artwork approvals, cutter guides and First Time Production deadlines.
• Complete Valpak and Extended Producer Responsibility reporting.
• Maintain accurate palletisation and transport configuration data.
• Ensure packaging complies with relevant legislation, customer requirements and internal standards.
• Complete packaging information for customer product specifications.
• Develop relationships with packaging suppliers, printers and retailer customers.
• Maintain the approved packaging supplier list and supplier approval process.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, sustainability, efficiency and cost.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Project management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Qualification in Packaging Technology or Food Science

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Packaging Technologist

Location: Devon
Salary: £37,000 - £40,000
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent

We are recruiting for a Packaging Technologist to join a successful and growing food manufacturer in Devon.

This is a varied role with responsibility for managing and developing packaging across both branded and retailer own-label products. You will take technical ownership of packaging specifications, data and development projects, ensuring every solution is compliant, commercially viable, sustainable and fit for purpose.

Working closely with Technical, NPD, Procurement, Production, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, you will support everything from new product launches and packaging trials through to artwork approvals, supplier development and ongoing improvements.

Key responsibilities

• Manage packaging throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Develop, review and maintain accurate packaging specifications.
• Maintain Master Product Data Sheets and associated technical documentation.
• Lead packaging development for new products, packaging changes and improvement projects.
• Evaluate packaging materials based on suitability, sustainability, functionality and cost.
• Coordinate factory packaging trials and transit testing.
• Work alongside NPD on shelf-life testing for new products and packaging materials.
• Manage artwork approvals, cutter guides and First Time Production deadlines.
• Complete Valpak and Extended Producer Responsibility reporting.
• Maintain accurate palletisation and transport configuration data.
• Ensure packaging complies with relevant legislation, customer requirements and internal standards.
• Complete packaging information for customer product specifications.
• Develop effective relationships with packaging suppliers, printers and retailer customers.
• Maintain the approved packaging supplier list and supplier approval process.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, sustainability, efficiency and cost.

What we’re looking for

You will ideally have previous experience within packaging technology, food manufacturing or a related technical role. You should have a good understanding of packaging materials and specifications, combined with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage several projects at once.

You will also need:

• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Good knowledge of packaging materials and their applications.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work across different departments.
• A proactive and practical approach to problem-solving.
• Competent Microsoft Office and general IT skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team.

Experience working with retailer own-label products, Valpak/EPR reporting, packaging legislation or sustainability requirements would be particularly beneficial. A qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Science or a related subject would also be advantageous, although it is not essential.

Why apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of packaging within a collaborative food manufacturing business. You will have the freedom to introduce new ideas, develop innovative packaging solutions and make a genuine impact on sustainability, product quality and operational performance.