Packaging Technologist: Innovation & Sustainability Lead

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

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.