Senior Packaging Manager

Holland & Barrett; Nuneaton; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus

Life assurance

Pension

Job summary

Holland & Barrett is seeking a Senior Packaging Manager to shape the strategy and technical direction for packaging from idea to shelf, aligning with brand priorities and regulatory requirements.

You will lead the packaging team, develop capability, and create clear, scalable ways of working while delivering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions across our product portfolio and supply chain, with hybrid working across London, Nuneaton or Burton.

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging within FMCG/retail environments.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, processes and development.
• Deep understanding of PPWR and practical implications.
• Experience leading a packaging team and developing people.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into strategic plans.
• Experience managing packaging through development, validation and production.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop packaging strategy and roadmap aligned with brand priorities.
• Lead response to PPWR changes with clear actions, standards and milestones.
• Provide senior technical expertise across materials, processes and specs.
• Lead and coach two Packaging direct reports, building capability.
• Oversee packaging development from NPD to production implementation.
• Manage packaging changes across compliance, sustainability, cost and performance.
• Influence wider packaging, sourcing and sustainability strategy.

Skills

Packaging strategy

Team leadership

PPWR knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Location & working arrangement

London, Nuneaton or Burton | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

We offer hybrid working, with an expectation that you'll be present at one of our Holland & Barrett offices in London, Nuneaton or Burton for a minimum of 2 days per week. Some travel between locations may be required, particularly during the early stages of the role.

About The Role & Team

Packaging sits at the heart of how great products come to life. As our Senior Packaging Manager, you'll shape the strategy, standards and technical direction that help move packaging from idea to shelf.

You'll be our senior packaging expert, connecting technical detail with the bigger picture. From new packaging development and production through to sustainability and regulation, you'll help us make smarter decisions for our products, customers and business.

A key part of the role will be leading our packaging team, developing capability and creating clear, consistent ways of working for the future.

What you’ll be doing

• Own and develop our packaging strategy and roadmap, translating brand priorities into meaningful packaging plans.
• Lead our response to evolving Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements, turning complex regulatory changes into clear actions, standards and milestones.
• Provide senior technical expertise across packaging materials, manufacturing processes, specifications, testing and technical decision-making.
• Lead and coach two Packaging direct reports, building capability and supporting the team through new ways of working.
• Oversee packaging development from NPD through validation, scale-up and production implementation.
• Manage complex packaging change across compliance, sustainability, cost, technical performance and operational requirements.
• Influence wider Packaging, Sourcing and Sustainability strategy through strong technical insight and commercial understanding.
• Work closely with internal teams and suppliers to solve technical challenges and deliver better packaging solutions.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in packaging within FMCG, retail, manufacturing or a related consumer environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and packaging development.
• Deep understanding of PPWR, including the practical implications for packaging strategy, compliance and delivery.
• Experience leading a packaging team and developing people and capability.
• The ability to turn detailed technical or regulatory requirements into clear strategic priorities and practical plans.
• Experience managing packaging through development, validation, scale-up and production.
• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance technical performance, sustainability, cost, compliance and commercial needs.

Benefits

• 33 days, including bank holidays
• Holiday purchase scheme
• 24/7 Virtual GP access
• Private medical insurance – single cover
• Annual free at-home health testing kit
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a network of Mental Health First Aiders whenever you need support
• Workplace pension with 5% employer contribution
• Life assurance (2x salary, after 6 months’ service)
• Annual Bonus (subject to company and individual performance) up to 20%
• £50 colleague product allowance on Holland & Barrett products (after 6 months’ service)
• Access to cashback and discounts from a wide range of retailers
• 25% colleague discount, available in store and online
• Free Wellhub membership, with discounted access to gyms, studios and premium wellbeing apps
• Cycle to Work scheme

This is an opportunity to shape the future of packaging at Holland & Barrett, combining technical expertise, strategic thinking and people leadership to make a real difference.

About Holland & Barrett

At Holland & Barrett, we’re here to make health and wellness a way of life for everyone, adding quality years to life.

We combine our heritage with modern ambition, using knowledge, evidence and human connection to make wellness simpler and more accessible. Our teams bring our values of Energy, Knowledge, Connection, Progress and Living Wellness to life every day.

Inclusion & accessibility statement

Every journey is different, and we want everyone to feel welcome at Holland & Barrett. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, develop their skills and do their best work.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Holland & Barrett is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We understand that when our colleagues are listened to, respected and valued for who they are, we build an organisation with belonging at its heart – making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.

Holland & Barrett does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Please do not forward resumes to our job alias, employees, or any other company location. Holland & Barrett is not and will not be responsible for any fees if a candidate submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless otherwise agreed with respect to specific open position(s).