Packaging Development Manager

Overview

PZ Cussons is an international consumer goods business, headquartered in Manchester, UK. We employ just under 2500 people across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Our purpose is For Everyone, For Life, For Good. We are transforming with exciting growth plans and offer flexible work options, including finishing at 1pm every Friday.

Job title:

Packaging Development Manager. Contract type:
Permanent.

• Drive end-to-end development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for hygiene, skincare, haircare, body care and gifting from concept to launch, ensuring performance, safety, regulatory compliance and manufacturability.
• Deliver packaging solutions aligned to sustainability goals and address packaging compliance considerations such as EPR and Plastic packaging tax.
• Drive new packaging innovation and core product renovation while balancing speed, cost and quality.
• Advise on packaging technical feasibility, manufacturing constraints and timing to ensure concepts are scalable and launch-ready.
• Own multiple mid-complexity projects, manage timelines, risk assessments, technical documentation, and cross-functional alignment.
• Collaborate with Marketing to translate creative concepts into technically sound, manufacturable and commercially viable packaging.
• Work with product development to ensure formula-packaging compatibility and sustainability considerations.
• Partner with suppliers, printers, CMOs and internal production teams; support transfer of packaging into manufacturing sites, including line trials and initial production runs.
• Review and approve technical samples, packaging specifications and technical documentation; identify cost-saving and quality-improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate internal and external testing (compatibility, pack functionality, transit trials) and ensure regulatory, safety, quality and sustainability guidelines are met.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation (component specs, print specs, packing specs, change controls) and support SKU setup.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in packaging development, packaging design or related area.
• Experience with packaging development within personal care/beauty or related consumer products.
• Experience in developing gift packaging and strong knowledge of packaging materials and their application to different product types.
• Strong understanding of print processes and finishes, and the ability to translate concepts into manufacturable and commercially viable pack solutions.
• Hands-on packaging development experience and ability to take creative concepts to finished products independently.
• Working knowledge of packaging sustainability and regulatory requirements (EU, UK, US FDA depending on region).
• Experience in line trials, print trials, packaging components and transit testing.
• Strong problem-solving approach, ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines, excellent cross-functional communication, and a consumer- and brand-oriented mindset.
• Curiosity and eagerness to explore new technologies and industry trends.

• Equal Opportunities:
  We value diversity and inclusivity. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome; visa sponsorship or relocation support is not available for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the country where this role is located.

If you need extra support during this process, please inform us so that we can accommodate your needs appropriately. We are committed to ensuring all candidates have a good experience with PZ Cussons.