Technical Lead - Innovation & Process Development

Coppice PFF Packaging; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Cross-site exposure

Professional development

Job summary

Coppice Group is seeking a Technical Lead – Innovation & Process Development to drive packaging innovation across Coppice, Sirane and PFF manufacturing sites. You’ll lead the product development lifecycle, translating customer ideas into manufacturable solutions and working with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable, high-quality packaging projects.

This role demands strong technical leadership, project management and a proactive mindset, with a focus on cost, quality and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging manufacturing or similar environment.
• Experience with customer trials, new product development and launches.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and converting technologies.
• Understanding of packaging legislation, quality standards and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical feasibility assessments, customer trials and new product introductions across multiple sites.
• Translate customer requirements into manufacturable packaging solutions and support launches.
• Drive value engineering and continuous improvement to improve cost, quality, sustainability, and manufacturing performance.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to support innovation projects and supplier development.
• Maintain robust technical documentation and provide clear technical recommendations throughout the process.

Skills

Packaging expertise

Analytical skills

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Sustainability awareness

Education

Degree in Packaging Technology

Job description

Technical Lead - Innovation & Process Development

Location: Coppice, Sirane & PFF (multi‑site) Salary: Competitive + benefits Contract: Full‑time | Permanent

Drive Innovation. Deliver Technical Excellence. Shape the Future of Sustainable Packaging.

At Coppice Group, innovation sits at the heart of everything we do. As our business continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Technical Lead – Innovation & Process Development to play a pivotal role in bringing new packaging solutions to life.

Working across our Coppice, Sirane and PFF businesses, you’ll provide technical leadership throughout the product development lifecycle—transforming customer ideas into commercially viable manufacturing solutions while supporting innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across our product portfolio.

If you enjoy solving technical challenges, working with customers and suppliers, and influencing new product development from concept through to launch, we’d love to hear from you.

A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make

This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll work alongside Innovation, Commercial, Operations, Quality, Sustainability and Supply Chain teams to ensure new products, customer trials and process improvements are delivered successfully.

You’ll assess technical feasibility, support product launches, lead customer sampling activities and identify opportunities to improve materials, manufacturing processes and supplier capability. Your expertise will directly influence product quality, operational performance and the continued growth of the business.

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical feasibility assessments, customer trials and new product introductions across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Translate customer requirements into practical, manufacturable packaging solutions while supporting successful product launches.
• Drive value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, quality, sustainability and manufacturing performance.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to support innovation projects, technical problem solving and supplier development.
• Maintain robust technical documentation, manage project risks and provide clear technical recommendations throughout the innovation process.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced technical packaging professional who enjoys working across multiple disciplines and thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

You’ll Ideally Have:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Packaging Technology, Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Experience within food packaging manufacturing or a similar manufacturing environment (experience with aluminium, plastics or absorbent materials would be advantageous).
• Experience supporting customer trials, new product development and product launch activities.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and converting technologies.
• Knowledge of packaging legislation, quality standards and sustainability requirements.
• The ability to assess technical feasibility and develop practical manufacturing solutions.
• Excellent analytical, project management and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence customers, suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
• A proactive approach with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement and delivering results.

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience in supplier development and value engineering.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging technologies and ESG principles.
• Experience supporting multi‑site manufacturing operations.
• Understanding of project management methodologies and stage‑gate product development.

What You’ll Receive for the Value You Bring

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on innovative packaging solutions for leading customers.
• A collaborative, forward‑thinking culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Exposure to cross‑functional projects across multiple manufacturing sites.
• The opportunity to influence product innovation, sustainability and future manufacturing capability.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.

Why Join Coppice

At Coppice, we work as one team, driven by integrity, accountability and continuous improvement. We believe innovation, sustainability and quality are fundamental to everything we do, and we’re committed to creating an environment where talented people can make a genuine impact.

If you’re passionate about packaging innovation and want to help shape the future of manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a business that’s driving innovation through technical excellence.