Packaging Manager

Job Title: Packaging Manager

Location: Fox and Geese Bottling site

Contract: Permanent

Role Purpose

The Packaging Manager leads a team of packaging professionals to design, develop, and deliver innovative, functional, and sustainable packaging solutions. The role is responsible for end-to-end packaging development across a range of activities including innovation, renovation, regulatory changes, and supplier validation, ensuring alignment with product requirements, brand identity, regulatory standards, and consumer expectations. This role also contributes directly to complex packaging development projects and is accountable for the quality and accuracy of packaging specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership Manage, coach, and develop a team of packaging development professionals. Build team capability and ensure effective delivery of objectives.
• End-to-End Packaging Development Lead packaging development from concept through to launch. Translate packaging ideas into robust technical solutions aligned to project briefs and cost targets. Ensure effective implementation and market readiness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with marketing, manufacturing, engineering, quality, procurement, and external suppliers. Deliver packaging solutions aligned to business, technical, and consumer requirements.
• Sustainability & Compliance Integrate sustainability principles into packaging development. Ensure compliance with packaging regulations and global policies. Maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging legislation.
• Technical Validation Lead validation activities including lab testing, line trials, and pilot runs. Ensure compatibility with manufacturing, logistics, and storage requirements. Support consumer validation in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement Evaluate new packaging materials and technologies. Drive improvements in sustainability, quality, cost, and performance.
• Specifications & Documentation Develop and maintain packaging specifications and technical documentation. Ensure accuracy and governance of all packaging-related data.

Essential Criteria

• Experience in packaging development, including packaging materials and technologies.
• Proven track record of delivering new product development and market launches.
• Understanding of product lifecycle management and stage gate processes.
• Knowledge of quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements related to packaging.
• Experience managing and developing people.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working on complex or multi-project packaging programmes.
• Exposure to sustainability-focused packaging initiatives.
• Experience working with external suppliers or vendors.
• Familiarity with validation processes such as line trials or pilot runs.

Key Skills & Behaviours

• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Results-oriented with a focus on delivery.
• Practical and solution-focused mindset.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead and influence across diverse teams.

What we offer

• Hybrid working - a blended working arrangement of up to 2 days a week working from where you work best.
• Profit share - an annual profit share scheme to reward your contribution to the company's success.
• Allowance - an annual allowance to spend on our portfolio of products and merchandise, for you to enjoy responsibly.
• People Development - continuous development through online learning and leadership training programmes.
• Family leave - fully paid maternity, parent, and paternity leave.
• Parental Support - our 'Reconnect' programme includes access to a workplace parenting coach, a phased return to work, and a supportive environment for new parents.
• Health & Wellbeing - our Wellbeing Programme "THRIVE" supports employees across life, body, and mind pillars.
• Charity Days - up to 2 days paid leave every year to volunteer at a charity of your choice.

We actively welcome individuals from all walks of life and warmly welcome those with diverse religious backgrounds, ethnicities, members of the Irish Travelling community, genders, abilities, and identities. It's the mix of our experiences, voices, and cultures that gives us our true character.