Packaging Specialist / Packaging Technologist

Our client is a well-established and successful manufacturer. They have an exciting opportunity for a Level 3 Packaging Specialist / Packing Technologist to join their team. Salary £40,000. Monday to Friday, day working hours. Applicant Experience: • You will already have experience in a similar role (Packaging Expert / Packaging Product Developer) • You have a PIABC Level 3 Certificate in Packaging Technology, or a similar Packaging related qualification. • Working in a fast-moving, complex environment requiring flexibility and agility in managing priorities and stakeholders, preferably with a factory background. • Managing multiple development projects from concept to launch. • Experience in influencing projects and business strategies. • Record of proactive continuous improvement involvement. • Demonstrate project management skills. • Confidence and ability to escalate issues to the appropriate functional person responsible, ability to challenge peers when necessary. • Fundamental understanding of the science and engineering associated with packaging substrates used within the Waters product portfolio with relevant academic qualification (Degree in Packaging/Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Printing, Packaging Diploma). • Working knowledge of manufacturing, QA, and supply chain quality systems, including the company Food Safety and Quality Management system (NQMS, NGMP, HACCP). • Detailed understanding of packaging Safety, Quality, and Compliance requirements. • Working knowledge of the company NPDI and associated product development processes. • Understanding of manufacturing performance indicators. Understanding of the organization and their responsibilities: Zones, SBUs/GMBs, PTCs/R&DCs, and the role of R&D as functional lead for AG, and knowing the appropriate contacts for AGs in the PTCs/R&DCs. • Understanding of related functions and their roles (Quality, Engineering, Regulatory, R&D, Procurement). • Packaging materials and process awareness, including knowledge of materials, production processes, conversion, and suppliers. • Core knowledge of the 10 Business Principles. SAP, GLOBE, EcoDEX knowledge, and competence in their use. Personal Qualities: • Flexible and agile in approach • Proactive in challenging the status quo • Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels in the business. • Proactive training and coaching capability to enable knowledge transfer to peers and operators. • Keeping abreast of knowledge on technical advancement and developments within his/her area of expertise • Good networking abilities and able to work cross-functionally and able to work under pressure, with ability to lead change • Passionate about the products, consumers, and category. • Committed to manufacture of safe and compliant products • Have an analytical mindset and the ability to problem solve complex issues Main Purpose of Job: • To develop and/or introduce new ingredients, packaging, and processes within the factory, while taking into consideration compliance with company and external standards and policies. • To support technology and know-how transfer to the factory(ies). • To contribute to/manage New Product Development (NPD) projects. • To support factory(ies) and marketing teams on projects/initiatives related to packaging, processes, and technologies. • To be the knowledge owner for his/her area of expertise for the pack formats in scope. Key Outputs: Execution of I&R Strategy: • Lead development projects from concept to industrialization within multi-disciplined project teams, with a focus on line performance, cost efficiency, on-time delivery, and product quality. • Contribute towards significant investment projects in the factory. • Provide detailed input to key project stages within the gate approval process. • Provide packaging input within the AGs, proposing and evaluating the best packaging alternatives for new products and improvements to existing products. • Organize and document production trials, including machinability, shelf-life, storage handling, laboratory, and transport tests for validation of new packaging and changes in specifications. • Manage the Technical Acceptance of New Products process. Optimisation/improvement of current products and processes within factory(ies) using local business and supply situation: • Contribute to/manage projects/initiatives related to packaging & process improvements within his/her area of expertise. • Carry out the development and implementation of optimised packaging specifications to deliver cost savings, specification consolidation across the company, or facilitate BCP strategy to ensure continuity of supply. • Support Packaging Head Office and Procurement in the selection, assessment, and development of new suppliers/converters. • Manage the investigation of packaging material complaints with the factory and suppliers, then collaborate to resolve them. Have the competencies required for the job and as a member of AG to enable the AG to be the local centre of expertise for packaging: • Develop and maintain the competencies required for packaging knowledge within his/her area of expertise and as per the job position. • Act as the link between Market Packaging Manager, R&D, and Factory Operations: maintain contact with R&D and other AGs within the packaging category, at least to share best practices. When appropriate, participate in Market or Business Specific Expert Networks (BSEN), webinars, or R&D Expert Networks to leverage knowledge. Compliance with all systems requirements: • Implement packaging-related quality and compliance directives. • Drive quality improvements in packaging. • Participate in supplier audits. Technical assistance to factory(ies): • Assist factory(ies) and provide them with services necessary to ensure on-line packaging performance. • Provide comprehensive packaging technical support for technical assistance requests from the factory(ies). • Ensure knowledge transfer to the factory(ies) related to packaging and substrates within his/her area of expertise, i.e., act as a local training resource to operators. Data Management: • Creation and maintenance of packaging specifications. • Develops new pallet layouts/designs for new packs/formats. • Provides ongoing optimisation to existing pallet layouts (cost benefits, improved safety factors). • Manages all other factory-specific packaging administration. • Conducting internal and external audits of the PMPS approval process. • Achieving a reduction in pallet failures attributed to layout/design, measured in distribution centres (DCs). • Realising cost savings in distribution through increased pallet utilisation. (This job would suit someone with previous similar job titles such as; Packaging Designer / Packaging Engineer / Packaging Technician / Packaging Professional)