Packaging Innovation Manager

Amfresh Group; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food company is seeking a Packaging Innovation Manager to enhance product quality and consumer experience through innovative packaging solutions. You will lead the development of packaging strategies while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in packaging development within FMCG, strong project management skills, and a passion for sustainability. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of fresh produce management.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in packaging development or innovation within FMCG or fresh produce.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials and design processes.
• Ability to manage packaging projects from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Develop packaging innovation strategies aligned with business goals.
• Partner with teams to deliver innovative packaging solutions.
• Track and report on packaging innovation KPIs.

Skills

Packaging development experience

Project management capabilities

Knowledge of sustainability trends

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Power BI

Project management methodologies

Job description

About The Role

As Packaging Innovation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in creating and delivering packaging solutions that enhance product quality, sustainability, and consumer experience. You’ll lead the development of packaging innovations that support our growth strategy, ensuring projects are prioritised, resourced, and executed with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement packaging innovation strategies aligned with business and sustainability goals.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (R&D, operations, procurement, marketing, and suppliers) to deliver innovative packaging solutions.
• Identify and evaluate new packaging technologies, materials, and formats.
• Manage packaging development projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Build and maintain a transparent packaging innovation pipeline and portfolio dashboard.
• Support resource allocation and project prioritisation through data-driven insights.
• Track and report on packaging innovation KPIs to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
• Promote a strong culture of food safety, integrity, ethics, and wellbeing across all packaging initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for a creative and commercially minded packaging professional with strong project management skills and a passion for innovation.

Essential

• Previous experience in packaging development or packaging innovation, ideally within FMCG or fresh produce.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, sustainability trends, and packaging design processes.
• Experience managing packaging projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive mindset with the ability to manage complexity.

Desirable

• Experience with packaging innovation in food, beverage, or related industries.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Stage-Gate, Agile, Power BI).

About Us

AMFRESH is a global leader in fresh, natural and healthy foods, operating in more than 50 countries and recognised as one of Europe’s leading suppliers of fruit and vegetables. From land to hand, we work to improve the lives of consumers and communities through natural, fresh and healthy foods.

Freshness is at the heart of everything we do. Together with growers, partners and consumers, we nurture a healthier global community—pioneering new approaches to connect people with the goodness and purity of nature.

Our New Innovation Centre
In 2026, we will launch a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre dedicated to shaping the future of citrus, grapes, and other fresh produce. This world-class facility will be the hub for pioneering work in post-harvest technologies, consumer sensory experiences, and next-generation product development.

Join us at the start of this bold new chapter—where innovation, science, and consumer insight come together to transform fresh produce.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead packaging innovation within a pioneering global business. You’ll shape sustainable solutions, drive consumer-focused innovation, and help define the way fresh produce is delivered to the world.