Senior Packaging Technologist – Material Development & Validation

Job Title: Senior Packaging Technologist – Material Development & Validation

Location: Hybrid working 2-3 days per week from any of our HUBS (Cumbernauld, Bolton, Milton Keynes, London)

We are looking for a Senior Packaging Technologist to join our R&D function and specialise in delivering Material Development & Validation activity. Reporting to the R&D Packaging Manager, this role is the technical bridge between packaging concept and commercial reality.

You will lead the technical profiling of materials, the industrialisation of new components, and the rigorous validation of packaging formats across our supply chain. From the technical qualification of advanced polymer resins to the structural optimisation of primary containers and the integration of novel secondary packaging formats, you will ensure our packaging architecture is robust, technically sound, and perfectly calibrated for our high‑speed manufacturing assets.

• Acting as the lead technical authority for the material integrity and functional performance of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components.
• Designing and executing comprehensive technical validation programmes and factory trials to ensure new formats—such as new container shapes, enhanced closure systems, or alternative collation materials—perform flawlessly on‑line.
• Leading material science work streams, including the profiling and qualification of new resins and recycled material blends to ensure carbonation retention and structural performance.
• Collaborating with Procurement and Production teams to identify and validate supply‑chain optimisations, including light weighting initiatives and material efficiency projects.
• Owning the technical specifications for all packaging materials, ensuring they meet AG Barr’s rigorous quality standards and comply with evolving environmental and packaging legislation.
• Providing technical governance within our Stage & Gate process, managing risk and feasibility from a material and manufacturing perspective.

• Education to degree level or equivalent, in Packaging, Science or Engineering with significant post‑graduate experience in a technical packaging role within an FMCG business.
• Proven expertise in technical validation and material profiling across multiple formats, encompassing polymer performance (PET/rPET) and injection/stretch blow moulding, as well as aluminium cans, glass, and carton packaging (e.g., Tetra Pak).
• Experience in leading complex factory trials and bridging the gap between R&D specifications and high‑speed operational reality.
• A sound knowledge of packaging material manufacture, liquid filling technologies, bottle labelling, multipacking and palletisation within the drinks industry.
• Knowledge and operation of GFSI, BRC, HACCP and other quality management systems is essential.
• Ability to assess and manage technical risks, develop robust trial protocols, and put in place definitive packaging specifications.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and external suppliers to deliver technical excellence.

• 34 days holiday
• Bonus
• Flexible holiday trading
• Living Wage Employer
• Peppy Health
• Life assurance
• Save as you earn scheme
• Free AG Barr products throughout your working day
• Pension
• Annual salary review

We are an equal opportunities employer and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be needed for successful candidates with a disability, health or mental health condition.

Latest closing date for applications is 31st July.