Mars
Packaging Development Specialist, Ice Cream
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Packaging Development Specialist – Slough
Are you a technical specialist with a passion for innovative packaging solutions in the FMCG sector? Join the Ice Cream R&D team at Mars and drive growth while ensuring sustainability, quality, and commercial success.
About the Role
This key position within the European R&D Ice Cream organization focuses on developing cutting-edge packaging to enhance our Ice Cream portfolio across various formats. As a Packaging Development Specialist, you will:
- Combine technical expertise, data-driven insights, and creative problem-solving to design and launch packaging solutions.
- Lead regional value leadership initiatives, ensuring supply security while promoting sustainability.
- Optimize existing packaging (flexibles, paper, carton) and pioneer new formats that meet both business goals and consumer expectations.
The role demands a deep understanding of packaging technology, governance of solutions across different regions, and the ability to work with global stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Lead innovation: Design, develop, and commercialize packaging solutions aligned with brand strategies and market needs, ensuring scalability and quality.
- Consumer & market-driven development: Translate consumer insights into actionable, scalable packaging solutions while adhering to project timelines and Design for Vertical Start-up (DfVS) principles.
- Technical & quality oversight: Ensure accurate packaging specifications that meet KQAs (Key Quality Attributes) and maintain cost efficiency and manufacturability.
- Cross-functional collaboration:
- Work with R&D Factory Innovation and external manufacturing partners to guarantee successful scaling of developed packages.
- Partner with Marketing, Commercial, and Engineering to balance desirability, feasibility, viability, and sustainability in all projects.
- Quality & continuous improvement: Implement robust performance measures and corrective actions to enhance packaging standards.
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Requirements
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) or degree equivalent in a technical field, such as engineering or packaging.
- Professional experience:
- Hands-on experience in packaging laboratories, pilot plants, factories, or food manufacturing environments.
- Strong background in FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), specifically in packaging innovation, product launches, or process development.
- Proven ability to work effectively with Marketing, Commercial, and Engineering teams.
- Demonstrated project management skills with a track record of delivering successful initiatives.
- Soft skills:
- Excellent communication and learning agility.
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and consumer appeal.
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Benefits & Culture
At Mars, we’re driven by purpose—building the world we want today. As a Packaging Development Specialist, you’ll gain:
- A collaborative work environment aligned with The Five Principles, fostering talent and growth.
- Mars University: Dedicated learning and development support from day one, including certifications and skill-building opportunities.
- Industry-leading salary and benefits, including a performance-based company bonus.
- A supportive and inclusive workplace, committed to accessibility, equal opportunity, and neurodiversity.
Wonderful Opportunity for Values-Driven Professionals
Interested in making an impact while shaping the future of packaging in Ice Cream? Explore our Global Careers page to learn more about how your role could be part of something greater.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For reasonable adjustments during the application process, [complete our form here](insert link).
Apply now and help redefine how the world enjoys Ice Cream!
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