Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice

1st Year Salary: £23,809 per annum    

5 Weeks Annual Leave + Bank Holidays   

Interviews w/c 24th August 2026/ September for start in October for programme start in January 2027  

 Are you passionate about food and packaging design?  Are you curious to learn how products go from concept to supermarket shelves? Do you enjoy problem solving and bringing ideas to life? Would you like to help shape the future of iconic British brands like Oxo, Bisto and Mr Kipling?   

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice to join our expert Packaging Research & Development team at our Worksop site, to play a key role in designing, testing and delivering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.  

What You’ll Be Doing:    

As an apprentice, you’ll work towards completing the Level 6 Packaging Development Technologist apprenticeship gaining a BSc degree in Packaging Technology at Sheffield Hallam University (on block release), combining academic learning with real-world experience in a development unit located within our R&D centre at Worksop.   

 Working closely with your Packaging Development Manager and Senior Packaging Technologist, you will:   

Turn ideas into reality 

• Work as part of a cross functional project team to bring innovative packaging concepts to life, developing ideas from initial concept through to launch.  

• Explore new technologies and materials that can improve packaging performance, have sustainability benefits or value improvement opportunities, and communicate developments to key stakeholders.  

Be part of exciting projects 

• Support and take ownership of packaging development projects, including factory trials, supplier onboarding, print runs, and product launches. 

• Help define what success looks like for each project and ensure it’s delivered. 

• Attend and participate in face to face and remote meetings, related to project work and other R&D activities.  

Work hands-on with production 

• Get involved in factory trials and learn how packaging performs on real production lines, including setting objectives and defining success criteria for trials.  

• Support implementation of new packaging and value improvement opportunities across manufacturing sites and co-packers. 

Collaborate and build relationships 

• Work closely with multiple functions across the business including technical, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing and innovation. 

• Build relationships with key site operations and engineering functions and build levels of packaging technical knowledge within these teams, through hands-on training and use of external training through suppliers etc. 

• Build strong partnerships with packaging suppliers to develop innovative packaging solutions for new products, core product improvements, sustainability challenges or value improvement projects.  

Drive improvements and innovation 

• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. 

• Support cost-saving initiatives and explore opportunities to bring 3rd party production in-house. 

Ensure quality, compliance & accuracy 

• Help maintain packaging specifications and packaging databases, ensuring correct data is captured. 

• Maintain and correct cutter guides and sign off new artwork against packaging responsibilities. 

• Ensure all packaging meets legal and regulatory requirements in the UK and internationally. 

• Contribute to sustainability reporting, compliance documentation and data capture. 

Learn and develop your expertise 

• Gain hands-on experience with packaging materials and machinery. 

• Build understanding of wide range of packaging materials and machinery, ensuring that key performance criteria are captured as part of the specification.  

• Support training and knowledge sharing within teams. 

• Regularly review progress with your skills tutor and Packaging Development Manager. 

What you’ll gain 

• Real world experience working on live product launches. 

• Opportunities to collaborate across multiple business functions. 

• Hands on learning in both office and factory environments. 

The successful candidates will:  

• have a general interest in developing a career in the packaging and consumer goods industry. 

• have at least 96 UCAS points from 3 A-Levels or equivalent BTEC – Science-based, Maths, Design and Technology subjects preferred. 

• have GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths. 

• be computer literate (i.e.: knowledge/experience of Microsoft Office packages).  

• Enjoy problem solving and have an eye for detail. 

What We Can Offer You:   

• A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress   

• Company pension scheme with life assurance   

• 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays   

• Access to a range of employee benefits, including:   

• Staff discount scheme   

• Onsite subsidised canteen   

• Company shop   

• ShareSave scheme   

• Cycle to Work scheme   

• Employee assistance programme   

• BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network   

The Next Step...   

If you’re ready to take a step and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day, click apply via our website and upload your CV.