Packaging Development Manager

Role Purpose

Responsible for packaging development projects across Beef & Lamb retail packing sites, focusing on sustainability, NPD, EPD, material changes, and 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, while working closely with the Senior Packaging Technologist for M&S & Ocado.
• Work 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.
• Ensure all technical specifications and documentation are accurate and up to date.
• Manage project critical paths and progress reviews at key project timings.
• 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 and projects.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Highly organized with the 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, PRN's, PPT & PPWR.
• Good level of Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Minimum GCSE English (4/C) and Math (5/B) or above.

Please note:

For this role, there will be an element of travel to other ABP sites, customers, and suppliers. Therefore, we advise candidates to consider this before applying, as access to own transport is required.