Packaging Development Manager na Pladis

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

Click “Apply” to get started.

Are you ready to shape the future of packaging at one of the UK’s most beloved snacking brands? At our Manchester site, where the legendary Jaffa Cakes are made, we’re looking for a Packaging Development Manager to join our Central R&D Packaging team.

In this pivotal role, you’ll drive innovation and growth across the UK & Europe region, leading packaging initiatives that unlock new technologies and asset-driven opportunities. If you’re passionate about packaging that delivers both performance and consumer delight, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a hybrid role with occasional travel to our Halifax site for seasonal projects.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Deliver packaging programmes in collaboration with Marketing, Product Development, and Operations, focusing on new/improved packaging and cost efficiency.
• Own and manage packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and functional requirements.
• Support sites and collaborate with the Packaging team to develop and implement innovative packaging solutions.
• Provide project management oversight including documentation, time-plans, risk assessments, and stakeholder communication.
• Contribute packaging expertise to strategic procurement initiatives like CBR and VIN, working with Strategic Material Teams.
• Lead documentation and testing for packaging formats, including trials, technical standards, and post-implementation reviews.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Experience in an FMCG environment or Packaging Manufacturer in a ‘hands-on’ Packaging Technical role with a proficiency across a broad range of packaging materials and their respective machinery interfaces.
• Sound understanding of: - business terminology, product to market and technical systems, common business tools and databases, Microsoft Office, SAP
• Exceptional understanding of performance characteristics of flexible plastics, rigid plastics, carton board, corrugated & tins
• Experience in planning, handling and reviewing factory trials
• A proven knowledge of Basic Food Hygiene

Desirable

• Diploma in Packaging Technology or equivalent with packaging experience
• A proven knowledge of Basic Food Hygiene

What will the interview process be?

• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme 
• 25 days + bank holidays 
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Our Purpose

Bring happiness with every bite

It’s a purpose that every one of our colleagues, all around the world believes in. And while we’re all unique, we also share the same values.

Each of our values is important on its own. In combination they’re especially powerful.

Our values have deep personal meaning to us. They’re part of who we are and what we stand for as an employer

Living our pladis values is a key part of success, look out for questions in your interview that link to these key pladis values.

Our Values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, fearless, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every excellent recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.