Manchester
An opportunity to own the end‑to‑end packaging strategy for a major UK food manufacturing site, driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the full product range. This is a highly visible, cross‑functional role where you'll act as the packaging subject‑matter expert, influencing design, sourcing, compliance, and cost.\n\nClient Details\n\nMichael Page is partnering with a major UK food manufacturing business to recruit a Packaging Lead for its Manchester‑based site. This is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned organisation employing over 12,000 colleagues across multiple UK manufacturing locations, supplying much‑loved food products throughout the UK and Ireland.\n\nDescription\n\nAs Packaging Lead, you will take full ownership of the end‑to‑end packaging process for the site's complete product range. Working cross‑functionally, you will drive optimisation, innovation, and sustainability across packaging design, specification, sourcing, and execution.\n\nThis is a highly visible role, acting as the packaging subject‑matter expert for the site and wider business.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nPartner closely with NPD, Supply Chain, Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to develop and deliver effective and sustainable packaging solutions\nLead the sourcing of packaging materials, including supplier negotiation, cost management, and relationship building\nOwn and maintain packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with product, customer, and legislative requirements\nDrive packaging innovation and renovation, covering formats, designs, and materials\nPlan and execute packaging trials in collaboration with NPD and Operations\nDevelop and deliver initiatives to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability, reusability, and the use of renewable materials\nTrain and support internal teams on packaging standards, handling, and sustainability awareness\nAct as the packaging lead and key contact during product launches, changes, and seasonal campaigns\nManage and control the packaging budget for the site \n\nProfile\n\nThe successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:\n\nProven experience in a packaging‑focused role within FMCG (food manufacturing highly advantageous)\nStrong knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processes\nSolid project management capability, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously\nConfidence working in customer‑facing and supplier‑management environments\nExcellent organisational and time‑management skills\nA collaborative, cross‑functional working style\nAbility to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlines\nWorking knowledge of packaging legislation and compliance requirements\nA proactive, confident approach with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive improvement \n\nJob Offer\n\nSalary circa £50,000\nHybrid working\nEnhanced employer pension contribution\n25 days holiday plus bank holidays