Technical Packaging & Compliance Assistant (G7)

Lactalis Ltd.; Redhill; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis Ltd. is seeking a Compliance Packaging Specialist in Redhill, UK. This hybrid role supports the Head of Compliance and the technical packaging team, focusing on packaging development, validation, and sustainability initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess a qualification in food science or technology and experience in food manufacturing or packaging environments. Applicants should have strong analytical skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in packaging, product development, or factory trials.
• Ability to deliver proactive support and manage multiple priorities.
• Clean driving license (1 year +) and ability to travel in the UK & EU.

Responsibilities

• Support packaging trials and validation activities for new products.
• Ensure compliance with packaging standards and guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining and updating packaging specifications and documentation.

Skills

Food science / technology qualifications or equivalent

Interest in sustainability

Experience in food manufacturing or packaging environments

Understanding of food safety standards

Strong organizational and analytical skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Good verbal and written communication skills

Education

Packaging related qualification (degree or similar)

Job description

Location: Redhill, Surrey. Hybrid working, 2 days working from home per week

Summary: This role plays a key part in supporting the Head of Compliance, Technical Packaging Manager and wider compliance team, with a strong focus on packaging materials, trials, and sustainability. Responsible for supporting packaging development, validation, and implementation, ensuring all packaging solutions meet regulatory, quality, and environmental requirements. The role will also support the Supplier Assurance Manager in monitoring supplier compliance, maintaining documentation, and coordinating follow‑up actions where required.

Reporting To: Head of compliance, suppliers & technical packaging (HCSP)

Direct Reports: None

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Packaging Materials & Performance

• Support evaluation and selection of packaging materials and formats, considering product protection, shelf life, and operational efficiency, aligned with customer, Group Lactalis and legal requirements
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve packaging functionality and reduce risk

Packaging Development & Trials

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of packaging trials and validation activities for new and existing products.
• Collect, analyse, and report trial data to support packaging approval and implementation
• Assist in scaling packaging solutions from trial to production

Packaging Compliance & Sustainability

• Support the Technical Packaging Manager to ensure packaging meets UK & EU regulatory and environmental requirements
• Assist with packaging sustainability initiatives, including recyclability improvements, plastics reduction, and environmental reporting
• Support compliance with retailer, customer and Group Lactalis packaging standards and guidelines

Packaging Systems & Documentation

• Assist with the maintaining and updating of packaging specifications, databases, and documentation systems
• Ensure packaging data is accurate across internal systems, customer/retailer and third‑party portals

Supplier & Cross‑Functional Support

• Work closely with internal team (NPD, Technical, Operations, Commercial & CSR) to ensure packaging requirements are clearly communicated and implemented
• Support the Supplier Assurance Manager in monitoring supplier compliance, maintaining documentation, and coordinating follow‑up actions where required
• Support management of Approved Supplier List and Supplier Quality Management processes

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve packaging processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency
• Support packaging‑related projects and improvement initiatives across the business

Essential Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Food science / technology qualifications or equivalent
• Interest in sustainability and helping achieve sustainability goals
• Experience working in food manufacturing, FMCG, or packaging environments
• Understanding of food safety standards
• Practical exposure to packaging, product development, or factory trials
• Understanding of packaging materials and formats used in food production
• Experience supporting technical projects, product launches, or packaging changes
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to challenge others in a respectful way
• Ability to deliver pro‑active and reactive support
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams etc.)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to travel in the UK & EU as and when required
• Clean driving licence (1 year +)

Desirable Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Packaging related qualification (degree or similar)
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability and environmental requirements (e.g. recyclability, plastics reduction)
• Familiarity with retailer packaging systems and/or third‑party data reporting platforms
• Experience working with packaging suppliers or material specifications
• Familiarity with supplier quality management processes
• Auditing skills and experience
• Basic understanding OPRL logos and requirements

Please be advised that we can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.