Packaging Development Leader

Mars, Incorporated; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food company in the West Yorkshire area is seeking a Packaging Development Leader to provide technical leadership for its packaging innovation program. This role involves collaboration with internal and external partners to deliver innovative, pet-parent centric packaging while ensuring sustainability and compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant field and demonstrate expertise in packaging solutions within FMCG. A competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Industry-competitive salary

Company bonus

Access to Mars University

Qualifications

• Strong record of delivering packaging solutions in FMCG.
• Experience in team leadership and engaging cross-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation mindset within packaging team.
• Build relationships with packaging suppliers and research agencies.
• Work on sustainability goals including plastic reduction.
• Support development of future packaging formats.

Skills

Packaging Subject Matter Expertise

Strategy articulation

Leadership

Partnership building

Education

University Degree in Packaging/Design or related field

Job description

Job Description:

The Packaging Development Leader role's purpose is to provide technical leadership of the packaging innovation programme for the Pet Nutrition Technology Hub team. To develop and implement a pet-parent centric packaging innovation pipeline delivering to the Central team agreed portfolios. Work in partnership with R&D in the regions and commercial to deliver optimised, harmonised and sustainable packaging specifications. Be the initiators and owners of global packaging specifications. Provide leadership & direction for the packaging team under their line management. Be a key and active member of the broader Packaging Leadership team and member of the Technology Hub R&D leadership team.

The job requires excellent cross functional alignment across R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Legal, Regulatory, Quality and supply to deliver innovations into the market.>

The current and future programme development additionally requires a high level of external collaboration particularly with packaging suppliers, design/prototype agencies and co-manufacturers.

The job will also require a high level of collaboration at a functional level, being part of the broader packaging leadership team and have a responsibility to build packaging excellence and talent.

What are we looking for?

• University Degree in a technical discipline. Ideally Packaging/Design or Science/Engineering.
• Packaging Subject Matter Expertise: Has a strong record of delivering packaging solutions to market as part of FMCG and/or suppliers. Has team leadership experience.
• Strategy: The ability to articulate and translate business goals and requirements to the packaging team creating buy-in and collaboration.
• Leadership: Excellent inter-personal abilities, influencing without authority and inspiring and motivating others. Experience of people management, including engaging, motivating, and ensuring results delivery from their team.
• Partnership building: Has a strong track record of building partnerships internally and externally.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Drive a Pet Parent Centric Innovation mindset across the packaging team, working closely with key internal business partners in R&D, Marketing, CTI/CMI, Commercial, Legal, Regulatory, Quality and Supply to ensure innovative concepts are delivered to market.
• Build key external relationships to support and deliver prototypes and innovations with packaging suppliers, research agencies, external co-manufacturers, packaging organisations, institutes and universities.
• External focus is key to bringing insights and trends into the packaging strategy and programme including consumer relevant packaging trends, material, and technology advances (including data led/AI) to inform and inspire.
• Work with the sustainability team ensuring the delivery of the Mars Sustainable in a Generation goals, including D4C (Design for Circularity) and plastic reduction programmes.
• Work with the packaging leadership team to support the development and implementation of enabling packaging strategies and capabilities
• Collaborate with and support the Science & Technology teams to ensure the development and delivery of suitable future packaging formats to deliver the next generation of products.
• Build a strong and effective working relationship with legal, ensuring freedom to operate and taking opportunities to protect intellectual property.
• Have a thorough understanding of the external environment, legislation and issues that will impact packaging design into the future.
• Leadership and development of their packaging team. Drive a mindset of innovative and sustainable design underpinned with technical excellence.
• Member of the Technology Hub R&D leadership team driving excellence in innovation delivery, team engagement and strong cross functional collaboration.
• Accountable for supporting team engagement, developing both technical and softer skills. Work with the packaging leadership team to build a strong motivated and engaged talent pipeline for packaging.
• Responsible to partner with Central Packaging Capability Director to ensure packaging work is executed in line with packaging Functional Excellence and sustainability roadmap.
• Active member of Central Packaging community helping to advance functional excellence and business impact.

What Can You Expect from Mars?

• Consistently ranked among the UK’s Top 10 ‘Great Places to Work’ since 2016.
• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiversity during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.