Packaging & Compliance Manager

We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.

Are you a packaging expert with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and regulatory excellence? We’re looking for a Packaging & Compliance Manager to lead our global packaging strategy, drive best-in-class compliance and governance, and shape the future of packaging across our business.

This is a strategically important role that sits at the intersection of packaging development, sustainability, legislation, and commercial performance. You’ll lead a team of packaging technologists, work with cross-functional stakeholders across the business, and ensure our packaging solutions remain innovative, compliant, commercially competitive, and fit for the future.

What you’ll be doing:

As Packaging & Compliance Manager, you will…

• Lead the development and execution of our global packaging strategy.
• Deliver packaging solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, customer expectations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion packaging innovation by identifying new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques that improve performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Support business growth through the development of innovative, scalable packaging solutions.

Lead Packaging Compliance & Governance

• Own all packaging compliance activities, ensuring adherence to UK, EU, and international regulations.
• Keep the business ahead of emerging legislation, including:
  • PPWR
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
  • Plastic Packaging Tax
  • EUDR
  • Other evolving global packaging regulations
• Establish and maintain robust governance processes for packaging specifications, supplier data, and compliance documentation.
• Develop reporting systems and processes to capture packaging composition, recycled content, carbon data, and regulatory metrics.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner with Procurement, Category Development, Technical, Commercial, Creative Services, ESG, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated packaging solutions.
• Provide technical leadership throughout product development projects.
• Support customer presentations, tenders, and packaging workshops with expert packaging knowledge.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Technologists.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Act as the business’s subject matter expert on packaging legislation and compliance.

Required Experience:

• Significant experience within packaging development in food manufacturing, FMCG, airline catering, or a related sector.
• Proven experience managing packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrable success leading packaging or technical teams.
• Strong supplier management and project delivery experience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Procurement, Technical, ESG, Commercial, and Category teams.

Knowledge & Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging technologies.
• Strong understanding of UK, EU, and global packaging…