Packaging NPD Technologist

PACKAGING NPD TECHNOLOGIST

Essex | £38,000 - £45,000

Permanent | Hybrid Working

The Opportunity

Ballantine Recruitment has been exclusively appointed by a well-established UK food manufacturer to recruit a Packaging Development Technologist.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong early-career background in packaging who wants to broaden their technical capability and develop into a key internal packaging specialist. The business supplies major UK retailers and manufacturers and is investing in strengthening its packaging capability across technical performance, innovation, sustainability, cost and factory efficiency.

Importantly, you do not need to arrive as the finished packaging expert. The business is working closely with external packaging partners who will help support the successful individual’s ongoing technical development. For someone with around 3 years’ relevant industry experience, this represents a strong career step into a role with genuine ownership, visibility and development.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will work closely with Operations, Technical, Development, Commercial and external packaging suppliers across:

• Development and optimisation of flexible films, cardboard and other packaging formats
• Packaging and packing trials, validation and continuous improvement
• Factory-based packaging performance and troubleshooting
• Understanding materials, machinery and product interaction
• Supplier management and packaging innovation
• Packaging compliance, sustainability and retailer requirements
• Identifying cost-saving and efficiency opportunities
• Supporting packaging purchasing and stock management
• Working with NPD and Process teams through development and launch

Over time, the role will develop into a trusted internal point of expertise for packaging.

What We’re Looking For

You are likely to have:

• Around 3 years’ relevant post-University / industry experience
• Experience within packaging, food manufacturing, FMCG or a packaging supplier
• Some exposure to flexible packaging / films
• Experience supporting factory trials, packaging development or manufacturing projects
• Strong attention to detail and practical problem-solving ability
• Confidence working with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Good numerical and commercial awareness
• Genuine interest in packaging, sustainability, manufacturing and innovation

You do not need to tick every box.

The business is equally interested in potential, attitude and willingness to develop as it is in finding somebody who already has complete technical depth.

Why Consider It?

This is not a narrow packaging administration role.

You will gain exposure across:

• Packaging development
• Factory performance
• Supplier innovation
• Sustainability
• Cost improvement
• Technical compliance
• New product development

For the right person, there is clear scope to build deeper technical expertise and progress towards broader packaging management and technical leadership.

Working Pattern

Hybrid working, with a strong on-site presence required due to the factory-facing nature of the role.

Salary

Up to £45,000, depending on experience and technical background.

Interested?

Ballantine Recruitment has been exclusively appointed to manage this search.

If you have built a strong foundation in packaging and are looking for a role where you can develop into a genuine internal specialist, we would be very interested in speaking with you.

All applications and conversations will be handled in confidence.

Scott Ballantine

Founder & Director

Ballantine Recruitment | Ballantine Consultancy Group

• Food & Drink Manufacturing Specialists