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.
Client Details
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.
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


Profile
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


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