Lead R&D Packaging Manager - Yorkshire - basic salary £55k - £65k

This role is no longer accepting applications, as the position has been filled, but we provide this information for context and to highlight similar opportunities.

Overview

The parent company to a number of iconic British brands seeks a Lead R&D Packaging Manager to develop and drive the overall R&D packaging agenda, setting vision and leading both innovation and delivery aligned to the company's future picture and strategic approaches.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of R&D in setting the packing direction and vision for the team.
• Develop the R&D packaging team across innovation, implementation and specifications management to support short, medium and long term ambitions.
• Direct responsibility for 2 x R&D Packaging Managers and 5 6 technologists.
• Work across the front end innovation/R&D interface to ensure a robust pipeline of concepts and supporting technologies.
• Influence the 2 3 year R&D pipeline and beyond through technical knowledge and consumer insight to keep products engaging and exciting.
• Develop approaches for technology scouting, material advancements, and novel concepts, translating them into opportunities for product pipelines using open innovation and internal capability development.
• Lead discovery phase and implementation projects as required.
• Provide technical packaging expertise for NPD/EPD projects and wider business needs.
• Act as packaging innovation lead within R&D and the wider business, serving as a point of contact for external partners.
• Build strong internal networks across Commercial, Brand, Finance & Ops teams.
• Develop external networks of packaging suppliers, insight & innovation partners, and third party copackers and manufacturers to support R&D and the wider business.
• Lead packaging exploration projects to identify consumer focused opportunities for long term development in NPD & EPD.
• Run packaging related workshops with internal and external input to generate ideas convertible into potential concepts.
• Develop packaging solutions from initial concept through material and supplier selection, factory trials and implementation, ensuring compliance with food contact legislation.
• Identify product and packaging opportunities that deliver profitable growth in new categories with new consumers.
• Support Marketing, Sales and wider business with packaging related enquiries, including customer visits when required.
• Influence and help shape the long term direction of R&D, including targets, KPIs and the R&D lab.

Candidate Profile

We're looking for a stand out people manager who can collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, has strong project management skills, and demonstrates a capability to shape and lead packaging initiatives and technical work.

Qualifications include experience in print, packaging or paper sectors, and residency within the UK.