Packaging Development Manager
Join Our Snack-Loving Team as a Packaging Development Manager!
Location: Billingham (Home of McCoys, Wheat Crunchies, POM-BEAR, and more…) with regular travel to our Tanfield site.
Type: Full-time, on-site
Are you ready to make an impact?
At KP Snacks, we’re on the lookout for a passionate Packaging Development Manager to join our dynamic team. If you’re eager to share your innovative ideas, enhance your skills, and be part of a culture that celebrates individuality, this could be your next big opportunity!
About the Role
This is a pivotal position within our Technical team, where quality is our top priority. You will be the go-to expert in Packaging Development and Optimisation, ensuring our products are safe, high-quality, and consistent every time.
In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, R&D, Marketing, and Project Teams to design and deliver top-notch packaging solutions. From new product development to continuous improvement, you’ll play a crucial role in:
- Optimising performance
- Reducing waste
- Supporting our sustainability agenda
This hands-on role involves active participation in factory trials, production support, and real-time problem-solving. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor and develop others, fostering a culture of excellence across our site.
What’s in It for You?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
- Competitive annual salary with regular reviews and a bonus opportunity (target 7.5%)
- KP Pension Plan with up to 7% matched contributions and a £6,000 car allowance
- 25 days holiday, with the option to buy up to five additional days, plus extra holiday after five years
- Comprehensive healthcare including Single Cover Private Healthcare, Health Cash Plan, Digital GP, and Employee Assistance Programme
- Electric Vehicle Car Scheme for sustainable travel
- KP4ME benefits platform offering discounts, cashback, and wellbeing support
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you at every life stage
Your Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Site Packaging Expert: Provide daily support to production, troubleshoot issues, and coach colleagues to enhance their skills.
- Design and Optimise Packaging Solutions: Create and implement effective packaging for new products and cost-saving initiatives, balancing quality, performance, cost, and sustainability.
- Lead Trial and Launch Activities: Plan and execute factory trials, analyse results, and support first production runs for smooth scale-up.
- Drive Quality and Compliance: Own packaging specifications and implement robust process controls to minimise waste and defects.
- Collaborate for Improvement: Work with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver projects that enhance performance and support sustainability goals.
Who Are We?
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. With over 15,000 colleagues across more than 30 countries, we create the snacks people love—from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, our team of around 2,400 is spread across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We pride ourselves on our close-knit culture, where we celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re dedicated to building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t meet every requirement, we still want to hear from you—your unique perspective could be just what we need. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to make the application process easier for you.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in FMCG or Manufacturing: A background in food, beverage, or consumer goods with a solid understanding of factory operations and quality standards like HACCP and BRC.
- Technical Knowledge of Packaging: Familiarity with various packaging formats and materials, understanding their impact on product quality and consumer experience.
- Hands-On Experience: Confidence in leading factory trials and resolving technical issues to deliver sustainable improvements.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvements.
- Collaboration and Communication: Proven ability to build relationships across teams and influence outcomes effectively.
Join us in shaping the future of snacking!
