Packaging Innovation and Delivery Manager

About the Role

The Waitrose Own Brand team is responsible for developing and protecting the strategy and design of over 900 own-label products, including Essential Waitrose, Cooks' Ingredients, and No.1 Waitrose ranges. The multidisciplinary Own Brand team includes roles responsible for product strategy, quality, and brand management. The team oversees supplier projects and collaborates with the Branded Innovation team to bring new external brands to Waitrose shelves under "BrandsNew". This is a Brand New vacancy reporting to the Head of Own Brand, Central Ops. You will set the strategic direction for packaging development and lead a team of four direct reports.

• Salary: £71,700 - £111,000 per year
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working pattern: Hybrid work arrangement (office and home). Central teams are expected to be in person more often; typical expectation is three days per week in the office, with flexibility for supplier visits, industry meetings, time in shops, and office time. Overseas travel may be required.
• Location: Bracknell
• Interviews: Two-stage process (CV review; in-person interview at Bracknell campus, likely Fri 14th August)

Key Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for packaging development to maintain a market-leading, sustainable, and differentiated position for Waitrose.
• Act as the packaging Centre of Expertise, translating global trends, customer insights, and legislation into actionable Own Brand material and format strategies.
• Lead a team of packaging specialists to identify and implement innovative packaging solutions that deliver commercial value and support Ethics & Sustainability targets.
• Integrate packaging early in the New Product Development (NPD) process and ensure the Waitrose First culinary vision is presented in functional, cost-effective, and safe prototypes.
• Provide strategic oversight to navigate regulatory landscapes (e.g., Extended Producer Responsibility) to protect the partnership and strengthen our reputation as an innovator.

Essential skills / experience

• Extensive experience in a strategic packaging role within a retail or FMCG environment.
• Proven track record of delivering complex sustainability or material-change programs.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing specialist teams.

Desirable skills / experience

• Active participation in industry committees or trade bodies (e.g., BSI, WRAP).

Additional Details

• Job level: Partnership Level 5
• Hours of Work: 35
• Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
• Pay: £71,700 - £111,000 per year
• Closing Date: 27 July 2026

About the Partnership: We are the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of John Lewis and Waitrose. We focus on retail excellence, innovation, and ethical practices, and we operate with a culture of ownership and inclusion.