Packaging Development Manager

Packaging Development Manager | Up to £60,000 annual salary | Annual bonus | Chichester Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for packaging innovation, sustainability, and delivering brilliant solutions that elevate the consumer experience? At Nature’s Way Foods, our mission is to be “The Best at Fresh.” We’re looking for a Packaging Development Manager to lead the development of innovative, sustainable, and operationally efficient packaging solutions that protect product quality and bring our products to life on-shelf. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape packaging strategy across our full NPD pipeline — collaborating with Product Development Managers, Technologists, buyers, and cross-functional teams to deliver packaging that is fit for purpose, compliant, operationally efficient, and aligned with customer and category expectations. You’ll be at the forefront of material innovation, sustainability progress, and continuous improvement across our four sites. What you get from us Salary between £50,000 - £60,000 (dependent on experience) Annual bonus Employer-matched pension up to 5% Health cash plan Flexible benefits including corporate gym discounts, shopping discounts, enhanced maternity & paternity policies and more Access to online GP & life assurance Key responsibilities Lead the development of packaging solutions for all NPD projects, ensuring alignment with brand/retailer requirements, product needs, and operational capabilities Support Product Development Managers and Product Developers in creating packaging from concept to launch that enhances freshness, convenience, and overall consumer appeal Evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and formats that support our sustainability strategy and drive innovation Manage packaging timelines and deliverables within the full NPD project plan to ensure on-time, in-full launches Work closely with the Packaging Buyer to ensure packaging choices meet cost, commercial, and availability criteria Partner with the Packaging Technologist to validate packaging performance through trials, testing, and production runs Own and maintain packaging information within the Point 74 PLM system, ensuring data accuracy and compliance Champion sustainability by identifying improvements in recyclability, material efficiency, and waste reduction Build strong relationships with customers and suppliers to unlock innovation and deliver packaging that meets category needs Contribute to cross-functional reviews and business updates, providing packaging expertise across all project stages Requirements Proven experience in packaging development within food manufacturing or FMCG environments Strong understanding of packaging materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes (plastics, films, board, etc.) Experience supporting major UK retailers and/or foodservice customers with packaging innovation Awareness of sustainability targets, materials innovation, and environmental standards Excellent project management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally Experience using PLM or specification systems (Point 74 experience desirable) Degree or equivalent qualification in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related discipline preferred About us Nature’s Way Foods is the leading manufacturer of prepared salads, coleslaw, and “food-to-go” for supermarkets. We work closely with farmers across Europe to deliver exceptional quality and freshness. But there’s more to us than the products we make. Our culture is inclusive and our people are diverse, spanning 39 different languages across four manufacturing facilities capable of producing over 400 million units per year. It’s an exciting time to join Nature’s Way Foods — we’re growing rapidly and there are genuine opportunities to progress within the organisation. Interested? Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV. We look forward to hearing from you. At Nature’s Way Foods, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and fairer world. Together, we can become Best at Fresh.