R&D Packaging Technologist

SRG; Kettering; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

enhanced training and development

pension

Job summary

SRG is recruiting for an experienced R&D Packaging Technologist to join a respected Northampton-based manufacturer. The role is on-site with a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, and offers 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays.

You will lead packaging R&D development from ideation to launch, manage trials, and collaborate with suppliers to deliver compliant, high-quality packaging solutions for cosmetics and personal care products.

Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of packaging R&D experience in FMCG.
• Willingness to commute to site; UK driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging R&D development, validation, materials testing and ideation to launch.
• Manage laboratory, pilot and manufacturing trials, including validation, scale-up and technology transfer.
• Drive packaging design, material selection, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as the technical lead for packaging specifications, materials, performance and manufacturing requirements.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to deliver commercially viable packaging solutions.
• Ensure projects meet quality, regulatory and customer standards.
• Support continuous improvement, sustainability initiatives, R&D and problem-solving.

Skills

Packaging R&D

Materials testing

Innovation ideation

Education

Degree in Packaging/Materials Science/Polymer Science

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Title: R&D Packaging Technologist

Location: Northampton

Salary: Competitive DOE

Term: Permanent

Benefits

enhanced training and development opportunities, pension

SRG is partnered with a leading manufacturer of personal care, hygiene and healthcare products, based in Northamptonshire. They are now looking for an experienced packaging technologist to join the team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established business where you'll play a key role in maintaining high standards within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This role would suit creative individuals with 2+ years' experience in packaging innovation, R&D, sustainable packaging and packaging trends, packaging development, and packaging briefs within the personal care / skincare / hair care and cosmetics industry.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 40 hours a week, ONSITE 5/5 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging R&D development, validation, materials testing and ideation to launch across new and existing product packaging formats
• Manage laboratory, pilot and manufacturing trials, including validation, scale-up and technology transfer.
• Drive packaging design, material selection, process optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives, while supporting wider innovation and product development
• Act as the technical lead for packaging specifications, materials, performance and manufacturing requirements.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to deliver commercially viable packaging solutions.
• Ensure packaging projects meet quality, regulatory and customer standards.
• Support continuous improvement, sustainability initiatives, R&D and technical problem-solving across the business.

Requirements

• Degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science or related discipline
• Relevant experience in R&D and packaging development, packaging technologist role within a regulated FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Must be willing and able to commute to site on a day to day basis - UK drivers license and own car preferred due to location
• Full right to work in the UK, there is no sponsorship available for this role.