Smart4 Sciences
Packaging Development Specialist
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Packaging Specialist – R&D / NPD
Location: Corby
Salary: Up to £40,000
Job Type: Permanent, full-time on-site
We are working with an established manufacturer to recruit an experienced Packaging Specialist to join its R&D/NPD function. This is a hands-on technical role, working across packaging development, materials, production processes, trials and continuous improvement.
You will act as a key technical link between R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Procurement and external suppliers, helping to take packaging solutions from initial development through to successful commercialisation. The role will suit someone with strong practical packaging experience who enjoys working on trials, problem-solving and bringing new ideas into production.
The Role
- Lead packaging development and improvement projects for new and existing products.
- Manage packaging trials, validation, scale-up and technology transfer activities.
- Provide technical expertise across packaging materials, processes and packing operations.
- Work closely with suppliers to identify new materials, technologies and innovation opportunities.
- Coordinate laboratory, pilot and production trials and ensure successful implementation.
- Support new product development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
- Investigate technical and operational issues and implement effective solutions.
- Ensure packaging, materials, processes and documentation meet relevant quality, regulatory and manufacturing requirements.
- Support continuous improvement, sustainability and efficiency initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver commercially viable packaging solutions.
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Essential Experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in a packaging-focused role.
- Industry experience within at least one of the following sectors: FMCG, Food, Household, Personal Care, Medical Devices or Pharmaceutical.
- Good practical knowledge and experience of Flow Wrap or Fill Seal processes.
- Experience of packaging development, trials, validation or implementation.
- Strong understanding of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.
- Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as R&D, Engineering, Quality, Operations and Procurement.
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
- Good communication, organisation and technical documentation skills.
- Competent with Microsoft Office.
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Desirable
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience within a GMP or regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience of technology transfer and commercialisation.
- Supplier management and packaging innovation experience.
- Knowledge of polymer technology and raw material manufacturing processes.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a technically minded packaging professional who can combine practical packaging knowledge with strong problem-solving and project management skills. You should be comfortable getting involved in production trials, working with suppliers and collaborating across multiple departments to turn packaging concepts into workable commercial solutions.
The successful candidate will be innovative, organised, adaptable, quality-focused and self-motivated, with a hands-on approach to technical problem-solving.
The original role focuses on packaging development, trials, validation, technology transfer, supplier collaboration and commercialisation.
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