Junior Packaging Technologist

Working as part of Commercial team, this role is responsible for managing the physical and graphical development, specification and assessment of all packaging components. This will include supporting the identification of new packaging materials, formats, technologies, processes and suppliers that can be used to achieve the agreed business strategy and priorities. This role requires you to travel throughout the UK, the successful candidate MUST have a Full UK Driving Licence and car.,

• Assist in coordinating and prioritising daily packaging activities, ensuring consistent updates on progress and key performance indicators (KPIs) each month.
• Support the Packaging Technologost with project management efforts by tracking progress against milestones and helping to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Contribute to problem-solving efforts to reduce costs and minimise delays for the business.
Packaging Development - New Products
• Support the packaging technologist in scoping, developing and delivering packaging solutions for new product developments.
• To ensure packaging developments are fit for purpose, commercially acceptable, meeting legislation, customer, consumer, supply chain and environmental needs within agreed timescales.
• To support the drive for recyclable packaging solutions across the whole business.
• Provide advice and technical support to the business during the evolution of packaging design.
• Test all packaging components to ensure they are fit-for-purpose.
• Attend all production line trials, ensuring that all such assessments are conducted in a robust and repeatable manner.
• Develop thorough and component packing specifications for use by the business, ensuring that these are agreed by the relevant suppliers and produced in a timely manner.
Packaging Development - Product Maintenance
• Deliver packaging solutions in response to continuity of supply, quality and legislative issues associated with the existing range of products.
• Maintain a comprehensive packaging database, covering all live and new primary and secondary packaging.
Continuous Improvement
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mentality and an operational excellence ethic. Continually review and improve internal processes, challenging existing ways of working and propose more efficient methodology.
• To work with current and new packaging suppliers to maintain and improve quality standards and minimise costs.
Packaging Samples, Origination & Print Quality
• Arrange and provide packaging samples as required.
• Maintain a library of artwork cutter guides for all printed components.
• Maintain a documented library of primary and secondary packaging
• Manage the technical assessment and approval of all packaging origination, working with the other signatories and ensuring this activity is conducted against agreed timelines.
• Attend relevant, critical, initial print runs to approve and agree ongoing standards.
Innovation
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders to align and agree packaging strategy.
• Ensure that all new packaging trends and technologies are monitored, maintaining awareness of competitor and other category packaging activity, advising key stakeholders as appropriate.
Troubleshooting
• Acknowledgement and responsive reaction to all reported packaging concerns and issues. Conduct thorough evaluation of the problems, involving all relevant stakeholders, agreeing an action plan to resolve the issues in a satisfactory and timely manner.
• Ensure corrective actions are taken to avoid repetition of issues
• To ensure all current packaging formats are fit for purpose and manage improvements and revisions (cost neutrally) to amend anything identified as sub standard.
Environmental
• Maintain accurate and up to date environmental information on all packaging components.
• Provide environmental data to customers and third-party organisations as required.
  
  Understand which attributes of products and packs are important for customers and consumers.
• Understand the business, procurement, operational and commercial strategies and priorities.
• Deliver packaging projects that maintain and optimise these attributes within agreed commercial constraints.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in packaging/technical/Science/ design related discipline.
• Experience in a packaging role.
• Experience in a FMCG/Food business.
• Knowledge and understanding of print processes, colour management technologies and the packaging origination process.
• Excellent competency level in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Self-Starter with well-developed organisational/planning skills (project and time management) and strong influencing skills.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• A tenacious attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team, contributing positive and progressive ideas.
• A passion and enthusiasm for packaging.
• Full driving license required.
Desirable:
• Engineering knowledge, especially related to packaging machinery.
• Experience of change projects, such as the introduction of new packaging formats and/or new production lines.
  
  At Humdinger, we transform nuts, seeds, fruit, and pulses into delectable snacks for both our in-house label and renowned branded ranges. With a robust and continually growing portfolio, we've earned compliments for our commitment to quality and continuous product innovation. You might have enjoyed our products before, perhaps without even realising it!
Situated in Heckington (Sleaford), Sherburn in Elmet and Bromborough, we are an integral part of the Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, collaborating with other esteemed food manufacturers nationwide. Join us on a flavourful journey where innovation, quality, and a passion for snacking come together. Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Your application will be reviewed and entered into the selection process, if successful you will receive a call or email from a member of our Recruitment or HR Team (PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL) , if successful, your application will be sent to the hiring manager for review, if successful, you will attend an onsite one stage interview process which may include a factory tour.


• Attractive Company Pension Scheme and Life Assurance: Enjoy the security of a pension scheme and life assurance at x4 basic salary.
• Company-Paid Health Care Cash Plan: Access to a comprehensive Health Care Cash Plan through Paycare, with additional rewards for high street and retailer discounts.
• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Purchase an extra 5 days of leave per year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Charity Involvement: Engage in charity fundraising and team events, with an extra day of paid leave for charity/community work.
• Staff Shop Discounts: Access exclusive discounts through our staff shops.
• Employee Values Awards: Recognize and celebrate our team's dedication.
• Referral Bonus Vouchers: Benefit from referral bonuses for bringing in top talent
• Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in your growth with ongoing training and development.
• Bespoke Training for New Factory Workers: Tailored training to ensure a seamless integration.
• Free Parking: Enjoy hassle-free parking at all our manufacturing sites and offices.
• Excellent Facilities: Relish in top-notch facilities, including a well-appointed canteen.
• ESG Commitment: Be part of our ongoing commitment to our ESG strategy, focused on protecting our people, communities, and the planet.
• Access to Grocery Aid Charity Support: Avail assistance through Grocery Aid, supporting our community and promoting well-being.