R&D Packaging Director

R&D Packaging Director

Permanent

Based in St Albans but with option to be based at Carlton, Barnsley or Worksop. Must be able to travel to all sites regularly.

The R&D Packaging Director will translate business strategy into technical plans, innovation platforms, and key programs to deliver on expected growth and financial targets utilizing robust consumer insights and technical strategies. The director will lead change and mobilize the packaging organization in a dynamic environment, solving business problems with enterprise thinking. This focus will be across innovation, sustainability, productivity and brand renovation programs for all of the Premier Foods brands both in the UK and internationally. 

The R&D Packaging Director will partner with the commercial teams regarding prioritization and resource allocation decisions and tradeoffs while setting the right priorities/metrics/milestones. This role will be responsible for identifying, driving and commercializing emerging and existing packaging innovation / technology platforms that are brand, consumer, shopper, and customer relevant. 

This position will play a key strategic role in the delivery of our Enriching Life Plan, specifically the commitments made in relation to packaging. 

As a people leader, this role will develop and coach employees, identify and address capability needs and develop the talent pipeline both specifically to packaging as well as the wider R&D team working in collaboration with the R&D Director and R&D leadership peers 

What we need from you...?

• Experience in R&D Technical Packaging or relevant function with proven track record of people and project management in a highly technical and commercial environment 

• Deep technical Knowledge of Packaging materials, formats and manufacturing platforms 

• Ability to formulate sound R&D and technical strategies and objectives 

• Solid understanding of the packaging development process and procedures: technical feasibility, experimental design, consumer testing, etc. 

• In depth knowledge of material functionality, food safety, stability, regulatory restrictions 

• Ability to translate technical strategy into business deliverables to influence cross- partners 

• Experience in working across multi-functional and multi-cultural teams, influencing up, down and sideways 

• Experience leveraging internal and external resources and working in a highly matrixed environment 

What you'll be doing....?

• Support the R&D Director in setting the packing direction and vision for the team 

• Development of the R&D packaging team in line with the business ambitions and key strategic priorities 

• Direct responsibility for team of 19, with 4-5 direct reports 

• Work across the central innovation/R&D interface to ensure development of a robust pipeline of concepts and supporting technologies 

• Influence 2-3 year R&D pipeline and beyond through technical knowledge and consumer insight to ensure our products continue to engage and excite consumers. 

• Develop approaches for technology scouting, material advancements, and novel concepts and translate into opportunities for product pipelines using open innovation approaches and internal capability development. 

• Provide technical packaging expertise for NPD/EPD projects as well as the wider business when required. 

• Act as packaging innovation lead within R&D and wider business while providing a point of contact for external partners. 

• Build a strong internal network across the Commercial, Brand, Finance & Ops teams. 

• Develop external network of packaging suppliers, insight & innovation partners and 3rd party copackers and manufacturers (working in partnership with procurement) to support R&D and the wider business. 

• Lead packaging exploration projects to identify potential consumer focused opportunities for longer term development projects in both NPD & EPD. 

• Develop packaging solutions from initial concept through to material and supplier selection, factory trials and implementation ensuring compliance with food contact legislation. 

• Identify product and packaging opportunities that will deliver profitable growth in new categories with new consumers. 

• Support Marketing, Sales and wider business with any packaging related enquiries and when required accompany with visits to key customers. 

• Influence and help shape the long term direction of R&D including targets, KPI’s and the R&D infrastructure and capabilities 

• Travel is expected predominantly in the UK and between our R&D and HQ sites, with international travel as required 

What we offer you in return...?

• Competitive salary
• Bonus
• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Wide range of online and in-house training
• Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers

Ready to apply...?

Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

A great British food company 

Premier Foods is one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country.

Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century and you’ll find them in 90% of British households.

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.