Packaging Development Manager

Role Purpose

Responsible for packaging development projects across Beef & Lamb retail packing sites, focusing on sustainability, NPD, EPD, material changes, supplier transitions. Ensure packaging is technically robust, compliant, and operationally effective across all stages of the supply chain.

Packaging Development Manager overseeing all customers' packaging – NPD, EPD, Sustainability, Packaging Compliance and Process – also working closely with the Senior Packaging Technologist for M&S & Ocado.

• Working closely with the site NPD team to develop new packaging formats for NPD through to launch.

• Manage packaging material updates driven by sustainability, performance, or customer requirements.
• Organise and manage factory trials to validate new or revised materials, working with Operations, Engineering, Technical and Commercial teams.
• Ensure all technical specifications and documentation are accurate and up to date.
• Manage project critical paths and review progress at key project milestones.

• Manage transitions to new suppliers for risk mitigation, cost improvement, or consistency.
• Collate and validate technical data for compliance (EPR, PPT and other requirements).
• Arrange and run factory trials to validate new supplier materials.

• Engage with customer, commercial, packaging and technical teams on all packaging topics & projects.

Travel

Please note:

For this role, there will be travel to other ABP sites, customers & suppliers. Candidates should consider this before applying, as access to own transport is required.

• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple retailer projects.
• Problem‑solving mindset; adaptable in fast‑paced environments.
• Proactive, with good attention to detail.

• 5+ years of packaging development experience working in FMCG within a chilled environment and with major retailers.
• Good understanding of packaging legislation – EPR, PRNs, PPT & PPWR.

• IOP or Level 5 in packaging development.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Minimum GCSE English (4/C) and Maths (5/B) or above.