Head of Packaging Development

Location:

Cumbernauld (Hybrid - 3 days in office)

Contract:

6-Month Fixed Term Contract

We are looking for an experienced Head of Packaging Development to lead our packaging function across a diverse portfolio of consumer brands. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic and commercially focused packaging leader to drive innovation, sustainability, cost optimisation, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Reporting into the senior R&D leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering the packaging strategy, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring packaging solutions are fit for purpose from concept through to successful market launch.

The Role As Head of Packaging Development, you will take full ownership of the packaging development agenda across innovation, sustainability, value engineering, and supply continuity initiatives. You will work closely with colleagues across R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Marketing to develop and commercialise packaging solutions that meet consumer needs, support business growth, and deliver operational excellence.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of packaging professionals.
• Build capability within the function to meet current and future business requirements.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Act as the packaging representative within cross-functional leadership forums.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and provide technical leadership across multiple projects.

• Deliver packaging projects across innovation, sustainability, cost reduction, and supply chain programmes.
• Ensure all packaging solutions are technically robust, commercially viable, and delivered to agreed timelines.
• Drive future packaging strategies aligned with changing consumer expectations and market trends.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and identify emerging packaging technologies and opportunities.
• Ensure packaging specifications meet all relevant quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

• Lead sustainability initiatives and future-proof packaging strategies against evolving legislation.
• Drive projects linked to:
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
  • Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)
  • Packaging reduction and recyclability improvements
  • Support Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and environmental impact reduction initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with UK and European packaging regulations and food-contact legislation.

• Develop and implement new packaging technologies and materials.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure successful trials and product launches.
• Manage technical relationships with packaging suppliers and external partners.
• Support the use of digital tools, PLM systems, and emerging technologies to enhance packaging development processes.
• Build strong relationships with industry bodies, research organisations, and academic institutions.

We're looking for an experienced packaging leader with a strong technical background and a passion for innovation.

• Degree qualified in Packaging Technology, Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Significant packaging development experience within FMCG, ideally beverages, alcohol, food, or consumer products.
• Proven experience leading and developing technical packaging teams.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials including PET, glass, aluminium, closures, labels, and secondary packaging.
• Experience delivering successful packaging projects from concept through to commercial launch.

• Excellent understanding of beverage manufacturing and packaging processes.
• Knowledge of packaging legislation, food-contact regulations, and quality standards.
• Experience working within ISO, BRC, HACCP, and related quality management systems.
• Understanding of sustainability frameworks including EPR, DRS, and LCA methodologies.
• Experience with packaging specifications and product lifecycle management systems.

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
• Highly collaborative with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Innovative, analytical and solutions-focused.
• Confident communicator who can bridge technical and commercial discussions.
• Passionate about developing teams and driving continuous improvement.

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related…