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Packaging Lead

Manchester Permanent View Job Description
An opportunity to own the end‑to‑end packaging strategy for a major UK food manufacturing site, driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the full product range. This is a highly visible, cross‑functional role where you'll act as the packaging subject‑matter expert, influencing design, sourcing, compliance, and cost.
  • Fantastic opportunity for an experienced Packaging professional
  • Key role with a major UK food manufacturer offering real ownership and influence

About Our Client

Michael Page is partnering with a major UK food manufacturing business to recruit a Packaging Lead for its Manchester‑based site. This is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned organisation employing over 12,000 colleagues across multiple UK manufacturing locations, supplying much‑loved food products throughout the UK and Ireland.

Job Description

As Packaging Lead, you will take full ownership of the end‑to‑end packaging process for the site's complete product range. Working cross‑functionally, you will drive optimisation, innovation, and sustainability across packaging design, specification, sourcing, and execution.

This is a highly visible role, acting as the packaging subject‑matter expert for the site and wider business.Key Responsibilities

  • Partner closely with NPD, Supply Chain, Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to develop and deliver effective and sustainable packaging solutions
  • Lead the sourcing of packaging materials, including supplier negotiation, cost management, and relationship building
  • Own and maintain packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with product, customer, and legislative requirements
  • Drive packaging innovation and renovation, covering formats, designs, and materials
  • Plan and execute packaging trials in collaboration with NPD and Operations
  • Develop and deliver initiatives to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability, reusability, and the use of renewable materials
  • Train and support internal teams on packaging standards, handling, and sustainability awareness
  • Act as the packaging lead and key contact during product launches, changes, and seasonal campaigns
  • Manage and control the packaging budget for the site



The Successful Applicant

The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:

  • Proven experience in a packaging‑focused role within FMCG (food manufacturing highly advantageous)
  • Strong knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processes
  • Solid project management capability, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously
  • Confidence working in customer‑facing and supplier‑management environments
  • Excellent organisational and time‑management skills
  • A collaborative, cross‑functional working style
  • Ability to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Working knowledge of packaging legislation and compliance requirements
  • A proactive, confident approach with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive improvement



What's on Offer

  • Salary circa £50,000
  • Hybrid working
  • Enhanced employer pension contribution
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays



Contact
Leigh Holmshaw
Quote job ref
JN-042026-6989375
Phone number
+44 113 243 7737

Job summary

Job function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Subsector
Project / Programme Management
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
Manchester
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Leigh Holmshaw
Consultant phone
+44 113 243 7737
Job reference
JN-042026-6989375