Packaging development

• Own and develop the end-to-end packaging development process.
• Be responsible for packaging selection and packaging improvements of the product portfolio across all substrates and covering primary and secondary packaging.
• Build packaging knowledge and experience to become the “go to” packaging expert at Fish4Pets.
• Understand substrate options and product suitability, providing advice and guidance with packaging development.
• Self-motivation to understand new packaging knowledge to keep up to date with market changes, and to learn about packaging areas you don’t currently have detailed knowledge in.
• Work alongside the product managers, sales and marketing teams to provide expertise and guidance when scoping development of new products and planning changes to existing products.
• Be the link between packaging suppliers and manufacturers on packaging materials, styles, print quality, dimensions and specifications throughout the development process.
• Implement changes to material specifications to achieve sustained improvements in packaging consistency and functional performance of materials.
• Ensure all primary packaging is fit for purpose using external testing centres as required.
• Have knowledge of legal packaging requirements in different countries e.g. recycling labelling, and be responsible for ensuring products are compliant.
• Develop strong working relationships within the Global Product team, and as part of a cross functional project team.
• Interface with other functions in support of project delivery. E.g. brand development, supply chain and our Global packaging partners.
• Work closely with the artworkers to ensure they incorporate substrate and printing restrictions into designs and optimise the printing process.

Packaging innovation

• Keep abreast of new packaging innovation, through independent research, trade shows etc.
• Identify and evaluate new and novel packaging materials, manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Provide insight on new market concepts as well as emerging packaging trends.
• Lead on packaging projects that solely involve changes to packaging substrate.
• Engage with key packaging suppliers to develop and maintain effective relationships, keeping up to date with new developments in supplier offerings.
• Work with other cross functional teams on packaging life cycle assessment reports, and support the environmental, functional and economic projects.

Packaging testing

• Establish a testing plan for any new primary or secondary packaging. The testing plan should include laboratory tests, factory packing trials, and distribution trials.
• Arrange testing of any new packaging concept and ensure the packaging is fit for purpose and viable from an operational, technical and commercial viewpoint.
• Work together with our internal packing team and external manufacturers to arrange packing trials including filling, sealing, outer boxes, wrapping and palletisation. Document the outcome and any next steps.
• Carry out all necessary transit trialling, working closely with the product manager and supply chain team.
• Establish a process to sign off packaging print run quality and attend first print runs when required.
• Establish colour standards for key materials for checking print run quality.

Packaging process and specifications

• Implement and maintain processes that ensure packaging development is controlled.
• Originate and complete packaging specifications for all packaging.
• Maintain a library of packaging specifications.
• Create and manage QAS for all new packaging.
• Identify opportunities for continuous process improvements in the development of new packaging.
• Identify potential cost saving projects across the packaging portfolio improving margins whilst maintaining packaging quality and print.
• Maintain supplier self-assessment audit questionnaires, supplier audit certification, relevant documentation and migration testing certification for each packaging substrate.
• To commit to the continued development, sustainment, and improvement of the organisations Quality Management System, and any future management systems that the company may decide to implement.
• To abide by Health and Safety regulations, and roles and responsibilities as defined in the companies Health & Safety Policy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Batchelors level degree in a related field [desirable]

Relevant experience

• Significant experience of working with packaging – food industry or pet food experience preferred.
• Expertise and knowledge of a wide range of packaging materials and suitability with product requirements.
• Experience in a role within a FMCG environment preferred.
• A thorough understanding of the product packaging development process and relationship to the product lifecycle.
• Experience of packaging life cycle assessment and the environmental impact.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of current packaging regulations as well as emerging, sustainable packaging trends.
• Strategic communication and engagement with different stakeholders with consideration for the wider business impact [desirable]
• Working with different team members to achieve a common goal.
• Leadership of projects.

Aptitude, competencies, skills and abilities

• Confident using Microsoft Office packages including intermediate level excel.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• High level of accuracy.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently across several projects simultaneously.
• Prioritisation skills.
• Process driven.
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to tailor communication effectively.
• Present factual information to inform decision making.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Understand risks and mitigate those as appropriate.

Personal attributes and Disposition

• Pro-active self-starter.
• Ability to use your initiative – with a positive, proactive attitude and the desire to learn and grow.
• Team player.
• Quick learner, methodical approach and able to think logically.
• Resilient and hardworking with a willingness to work independently in fast paced environment.
• Pleasant and confident manner for dealing with stakeholders.
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Desire to achieve for the wider business.
• Willingness to share knowledge.
• Own the projects that you are responsible for and have full accountability.
• Ability to influence new thinking with stakeholders, and challenge constructively.