Packaging Technologist (Food Manufacturing) At The Compleat Food Group we’re not just serving up great food, we’re creating an environment where our people can thrive. As one of the leading chilled prepared food manufacturers in the UK food industry, we believe that our employees are the secret ingredient to our success. We’re passionate about fostering a culture where quality, innovation, collaboration, and personal growth are at the forefront. Location: Working base site at either Clitheroe, Middlesbrough or Ebbw Vale. Ideally located in North West, North East or South Wales area. Working Hours: Monday – Thursday, 08:30 – 17:00, Friday 08:30 – 16:00 Salary: £30,000 Job Purpose To ensure New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects have the most sustainable, innovative and commercially viable packaging available for brands and own-label products. This role will oversee the format and material selection, manufacturing feasibility, trials and testing of new or re-developed food packaging. Key Duties Integrate packaging into the NPD process from concept through to launch for own-label and branded products sharing innovative and sustainable solutions Support material selection with justification to internal and external stakeholders on why each material is appropriate, working across all possible food-grade packaging Support packaging development cutter guides Review, develop and approve new packaging items Liaise with packaging suppliers to provide trial materials Support operations with packaging performance concerns Lead packaging innovation sessions to maximise design creativity Stay up to date to industry regulations, competition, compliance and latest trends in packaging Packaging data management across customer dashboards, materials trackers and technical compliance Work with specification and artwork teams to offer technical support and guidance Cross functional support across Compleat food manufacturing sites Experience Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Packaging experience role held in FMCG environment for a minimum 2 years Experience with specifying at least 3-5 food-contact packaging materials listed (Flexible Plastic, Rigid Plastic, Carton board, Corrugate or Aluminium) Experience in the retailer environment Experience in managing multiple key projects Understanding of industry bodies and compliance schemes eg. FSC/PEFC, OPRL, Plastic Packaging Tax, WRAP etc Good technical background both in machinery and material technology Proven track record of problem solving under tight timelines Key Skills Planning, organisation and project management Communicating with all key-stakeholders Presentation skills High attention to detail Persistence and determination Identifying solutions Intermediate computing skills, in particular excel Qualities A passion for food / manufacturing Approachable personality and thrives when working across functions Enthusiasm to learn and grow Enjoys problem solving What's in it for you? Dynamic Environment: You will be working in a fast-paced, future-thinking agile company where your contributions make a real difference. Culture: Be part of a fantastic team that values diversity, innovation, collaboration and excellence. 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year Online and High-street retailer discount scheme Employee well-being and community support groups Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform Charity Initiatives and Team events 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support) Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts. Online Wellbeing benefits Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process. Recruitment Agencies We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team. If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to recruitmentcompleatfood.com and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you. Apply now