Associate Packaging Development Manager

Premier Foods Barnsley, England Posted New today

Full Time
Hybrid

Job description

Based - Carlton S71 3HF (Hybrid 50%)

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

At Premier Foods, we’re proud of the iconic brands that sit on Britain’s shelves — and the packaging that helps them stand out. We’re now looking for an Associate Packaging Development Manager – Category to join our R&D team, playing a pivotal role in delivering packaging innovation across NPD and EPD projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced packaging professional to lead creative, technically robust and sustainable packaging solutions that bring our brands to life and support our ESG ambitions.

What you'll be doing? 

In this varied and influential role, you’ll be responsible for delivering packaging R&D activity from early concept through to implementation. Working closely with Marketing, Operations, Procurement and external partners, you’ll:

  • Create and develop innovative packaging formats aligned to brand strategies and marketing briefs, delivering strong on‑shelf appeal
  • Proactively identify and develop new packaging ideas, materials and technologies, leading them from technical feasibility through to launch
  • Manage end‑to‑end packaging development within project teams, including costings, trials, specifications, due diligence and retailer handling
  • Use strong project management skills to deliver multiple projects on time and to budget, with clear written and verbal communication
  • Build effective relationships with packaging and machinery suppliers to support innovation, value improvement and capital projects
  • Ensure packaging materials perform effectively across a range of machinery and operational environments
  • Support value improvement initiatives through format, material and supplier changes
  • Maintain accurate and timely packaging specifications across business systems and databases
  • Sign off artwork against packaging criteria and ensure legal and regulatory compliance across UK and international markets
  • Manage and support packaging technologists, senior technologists and apprentices, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team culture

    • What we need from you?

    We’re keen to hear from candidates who are qualified by experience and who role‑model our leadership behaviours: Think Big, Drive Change, Stay Curious, Spark Brilliance, Inspire Ownership and Act Together.

    You’ll bring:

  • Significant experience in a hands‑on packaging technology role, ideally within food, beverage or pharma
  • Proven delivery of packaging R&D projects from concept through to launch
  • Strong technical knowledge across a range of packaging materials, formats, print and packing processes
  • Experience developing new and creative pack formats with external suppliers and third‑party manufacturers
  • The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and independently deliver capital projects

    • Ideally, you’ll also have:

  • A science‑based degree in packaging, materials, design or engineering
  • An Institute of Packaging qualification
  • Awareness of ambient food thermal processing or preservation
  • Previous people management experience

    • What we offer you in return?

  • Competitive salary and bonus
  • Up to 7.5% pension
  • Private medical insurance and life assurance
  • Hybrid working (50% home / 50% office or site)
  • Sharesave scheme and the option to purchase additional holiday
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities
  • Access to a wide employee discount scheme

    • Ready to apply?

    Click Apply and submit your CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

    At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

    We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need. 

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