Packaging Technologist

Are you a Packaging Technologist who wants more ownership, more influence, and the chance to shape packaging processes rather than simply maintain specifications?

A growing product-led consumer goods business in the active nutrition and health-focused FMCG space is looking for a Packaging Technologist to take ownership of packaging across a varied product portfolio.

This is a newly created role for someone who enjoys end-to-end packaging development, supplier collaboration, packaging testing, artwork readiness, compliance, sustainability, and cross-functional project work.

The role can be based from Colchester or London, but regular Colchester site presence is required. If you are London-based, you will need to spend one day per week in Colchester.

Why this role is worth considering

This is a strong opportunity for a Packaging Technologist who wants to step into a broader, more autonomous role.

You will have the chance to shape how packaging is managed across the business, from early product development and material selection through to supplier discussions, trials, artwork, specifications, scale-up, compliance, and continuous improvement.

You will work closely with innovation, brand, studio, procurement, technical, suppliers, and manufacturing teams, becoming the dedicated packaging specialist who helps bring structure and technical packaging knowledge into the full product life cycle.

What you will be doing

- Own packaging development from concept through to launch

- Research packaging trends, materials, technologies, and supplier opportunities

- Work with innovation and brand/studio teams to build quality and functionality into packaging design

- Collaborate with packaging suppliers on quality, performance, cost, lead times, and new technologies

- Support evaluation of new packaging materials, formats, and manufacturing techniques

- Own packaging testing, filling trials, line trials, feedback, and scale-up support

- Support right-first-time print and artwork readiness

- Maintain packaging standards, specifications, testing protocols, and technical documentation

- Manage packaging data and external compliance systems

- Support packaging compliance, waste data, recyclability, and environmental improvement

- Monitor relevant packaging regulations, sustainability updates, and industry developments

Strong requirements

- Experience as a Packaging Technologist, Packaging Development Technologist, or similar

- Hands-on packaging development experience

- Good understanding of flexible packaging, rigid plastics, card, or corrugated packaging

- Experience taking packaging from concept through to delivery

- Supplier management and cross-functional project experience

- Understanding of packaging testing, specifications, artwork, compliance, and documentation

- Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills

- Confidence influencing teams without direct authority

- A proactive, collaborative, self-starting approach

Experience in consumer goods, food, FMCG, direct-to-consumer, sports nutrition, personal care, cosmetics, household, pharma, or pet food could all be relevant if you have strong transferable packaging experience.

Package and benefits

- Salary up to £45,000 (negotiable)

- Hybrid working: 3 days in the office and 2 days from home

- Flexible start times

- Annual bonus opportunity

- Monthly benefits allowance

- Product discount

- Birthday day off

- Pension

- Life assurance

- Healthcare cash plan

- Perks and discounts platform

- Optional additional annual leave

- Enhanced family leave

- Cycle to work scheme

- Volunteering day

- Summer working hours

Apply

If you are a Packaging Technologist who wants more ownership, broader product involvement, and the chance to make packaging a more strategic part of a growing consumer goods business, click Apply below.