Senior Packaging Technologist

Senior Packaging Technologist
(Known internally as Packaging Development Manager)
Fixed term role 18 months
Hellaby (home of KP Nuts)
Company Overview
KP Snacks is proud to be part of the Intersnack Group. With an annual turnover of more than €3 billion, the Intersnack Group has grown and flourished to become a market leader in savoury snacks, present in over 30 countries across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, employing more than 14,000 employees and 44 factories globally (33 in Europe, 3 in Australia, 3 in New Zealand, 2 in India and 3 in Vietnam).
In the UK KP Snacks consists of c2,300 colleagues across our seven factory locations and Slough HQ. We make great tasting snack brands such as Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pombear, KP Nuts, Butterkist popcorn, Tyrrells and popchips.
Salary: up to £45,000pa
Some of the benefits you can expect to receive:
· Bonus scheme
· Medicash Health cash plan
· Private Healthcare (dependent on Grade)
· KP Pension Plan – matching contribution stakeholder pension plan (up to 7% of salary) which also includes life assurance and income protection
· 25 days holiday
. 5-year service additional holiday
· Annual salary review
· MyGym Discounts
· Cancer Care
· Holiday Buy (buy up to an additional 5 days holiday per year)
· Career Break
· Cycle to Work
· Company Sick Pay – once eligible
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Digital GP
· Best Doctors - 2nd medical opinion
· Access to KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools
The Role:
This is a key role within the Technical team, working with the wider R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing Commercial teams to contribute to the creation of new, dynamic and exciting snacking products across Brand and RTB by providing specialist support for Packaging development at both site and business levels within KP Snacks. You will apply your Packaging knowledge to develop packaging and processes that are fit for purpose and cost effective, to improve current processes to improve quality or deliver cost improvements and to provide specialist technical knowledge for the site and the wider business.
Plays a hands on key role in the Technical Team at a site and wider business level.
Responsible for Packaging development and operational integration within designated site
Directs and leads from a site perspective,
• the People and Planet packaging aspects of projects
• work with Site teams to improve and optimise Site performance
• deliver NPD and commercially led projects with marketing and procurement
Regular contact with Technical, Operations, Finance, Sales and Marketing, Procurement, Retailers, Suppliers and 3rd parties.
Contact and interaction with the wider Intersnack Group is required both in the UK and Europe to ensure best practices are implemented and as a member of a Centre of Excellence.
* Each role will be site aligned but may provide support to other sites where necessary
* Responsible for the overall Packaging agenda within their site
* Manage and development of trial and overhead budgets within their site and team
* Build relationships within all relevant area of the business and Group to fully develop and execute the Development strategy
* Work in partnership with expert groups to develop and optimise tools and techniques for Innovation and Development at both a Site, centrally and at Group level
* Support and deliver Packaging innovation in conjunction with Packaging Technology Manager & Marketing
* Fully support the site and operational agenda on waste and plant optimisation
* Develop packaging formats that are best in class in terms of performance, cost and efficiency that meet customer requirements
* Understand the market and demonstrate awareness of the competitive set
* Support the site to resolve operational issues and focus on losses
* Drive continuous improvement
* Manage portfolio of projects and deliver to agreed timelines
* Plan and conduct production trials with support of Technician and produce relevant reports
* Support customer visits as required
* Adhere to business and retailer procedures and ensure they are observed by all members of the team
* Produce reports, in relation to KPIs, for Intersnack Group and KP Exec
Team management:
* Effectively manage resources responsibilities including, training, development, appraisals, reward & discipline
* Encourage an environment where continuous improvement of departmental processes and behaviours are adopted by all team members
* Effectively contribute to wider business teams e.g. Commercial
* Fully support and champion the business Values and Behaviours
We aim to foster a diverse family-like culture where everyone can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. The I&D program focuses on Culture, Leadership, Recruitment, and Equitable Progression. We operate an inclusive recruitment process to attract diverse talent and educate hiring managers on bias. Additionally, we run a comprehensive program addressing various diversity topics to promote an inclusive workplace. Join KP Snacks to be a part of a diverse and inclusive team that values individuality and promotes growth.
We wholeheartedly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position. We are totally committed to creating a workplace where not one person feels they do not belong. Please just let us know if there is anything we can do to make the process more easily accessible for you or if you have any special requirements.
Whichever method you are using to apply, please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates the relevant skills we are looking for, with clear evidence to support.
The Candidate:
● Demonstrate a level of expert knowledge in food packaging (ideally flexibles)
● Knowledge of Lean techniques
● Creative and analytical talents
● Understanding of key cost drivers within the development process
● Established negotiator and effective influencer
● Creative and innovative in the generation of ideas
● High energy can-do attitude and able to drive and support cultural change
● Up-to-date on new innovations within process and packaging
● Able to operate effectively cross functionally on multiple projects to challenging deadlines
● Ability to operate at a senior level with in the business and be credible at Board and senior customer levels.
● Understanding of factory environments and Food Industry Technical standards and compliance- HACCP, BRC, AIB etc.
● Excellent oral, written, interpersonal and presentation skills
● Demonstrated project management and organisation skills
● Excellent computer skills using Business Systems
Education minimum requirements/ equivalent:
● Food science/ technology/engineering qualification or bachelors’ degree or equivalent work experience
Experience:
● Previous experience of Packaging Development (min 5 years)
● Experience of working in a Branded and Retailer environments
● Financial/ numerical aptitude
● Previous experience of operating at a senior level within the Food Industry
● Experience of leading a team
● Experience of coaching to develop individuals/ team
● Analytical ability
● Project management
● Lean techniques