R&D Packaging Manager GB&I

Suntory Holdings Limited; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Holdings Limited in the GB&I region is seeking a Packaging Leader to translate strategy into practical packaging solutions on site, driving innovation, sustainability, quality and production improvements. You will lead the packaging team across Europe, collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations, and oversee capital projects while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost optimization.

This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of packaging across Suntory-owned

Qualifications

• Engineering or Packaging Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Solid experience in R&D, Production, Packaging, Process supplier, or QEHS roles.
• Experience in the Food or Beverage industry.
• Strong project management and people management skills.
• Leadership and business acumen.
• Technical knowledge of the full product chain (liquid, pack, process).
• Fluent English and local language proficiency.
• Experience with sustainability and regulatory compliance in packaging.
• Familiarity with SAP and data management systems.
• Experience working in multi-location and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GB&I packaging team to deliver packaging innovation, sustainability, and business continuity projects on time and within budget.
• Play an active role in the European packaging leadership team and community, sharing learnings and encouraging cross-pollination of ideas, technologies and innovations.
• Contribute to defining and implementing R&D and Business Unit strategic plans related to packaging and innovation.
• Implement the sustainable packaging strategy for the GB&I market.
• Govern innovation and renovation projects as a member of the S&G meeting.
• Validate and report on cost optimization and savings projects.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of the local packaging portfolio.
• Coordinate packaging activities across Suntory-owned factories and third-party manufacturers.
• Establish and maintain robust business continuity plans for critical packaging components in collaboration with procurement and supply chain.
• Manage packaging development and on-line implementation projects, ensuring successful launches.
• Prioritize projects and resources effectively based on business needs.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate packaging specifications and bill of materials databases.
• Lead selected strategic packaging projects at the Business Unit level, including capital expenditure proposals and stakeholder coordination.
• Develop the R&D packaging team and optimize ways of working at local and SBFE levels.

Skills

Packaging leadership

R&D and packaging

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

SAP

Data management systems

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Packaging

Tools

SAP

Production systems

Job description

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Requisition ID: 12989

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

About your role

The purpose of this position is to lead packaging development for the GB&I market, translating local and SBFE strategy into packaging solutions delivered on site, collaborating cross-functionally to drive innovation, sustainability, quality, and production improvements.

What You'll Do

Lead the GB&I packaging team to deliver packaging innovation, sustainability, and business continuity projects on time and within budget.

• Play an active role in the European packaging leadership team and community, sharing learnings and encouraging cross-pollination of ideas, technologies and innovations.
• Contribute to defining and implementing R&D and Business Unit strategic plans related to packaging and innovation.
• Implement the sustainable packaging strategy for the GB&I market.
• Govern innovation and renovation projects as a member of the S&G meeting.
• Validate and report on cost optimization and savings projects.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of the local packaging portfolio.
• Coordinate packaging activities across Suntory-owned factories and third-party manufacturers.
• Establish and maintain robust business continuity plans for critical packaging components in collaboration with procurement and supply chain.
• Manage packaging development and on-line implementation projects, ensuring successful launches.
• Prioritize projects and resources effectively based on business needs.

• Facilitate cross-functional alignment with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate packaging specifications and bill of materials databases.
• Lead selected strategic packaging projects at the Business Unit level, including capital expenditure proposals and stakeholder coordination.
• Develop the R&D packaging team and optimize ways of working at local and SBFE levels.

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

• Engineering or Packaging Master's degree or equivalent experience
• Solid experience in R&D, Production, Packaging, Process supplier, or QEHS roles
• Experience in the Food or Beverage industry
• Strong project management and people management skills
• Leadership and business acumen
• Technical knowledge of the full product chain (liquid, pack, process)
• Fluent English and local language proficiency
• Experience with sustainability and regulatory compliance in packaging
• Familiarity with SAP and data management systems
• Experience working in multi-location and cross-functional teams

• Experience with advanced sustainability packaging technologies
• Additional language skills beyond English always helpful
• Experience in capital expenditure project management
• Familiarity with global packaging trends and regulatory environments

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.