Group Innovation Packaging Manager

Group Packaging Innovation Manager
Location: UK

Scantec are recruiting for a Group Packaging Innovation Manager to take the lead on developing the next generation of food packaging across our clients business. If you enjoy shaping ideas, exploring new materials and technologies, and turning innovation into practical solutions on the factory floor, this could be a strong fit.

The Role
You'll be the driving force behind the packaging innovation strategy, researching emerging materials and technologies while keeping a close eye on trends in sustainability, design, consumer behaviour, and regulation. Working across all divisions, you'll translate commercial and consumer insights into practical concepts that strengthen brand identity, improve functionality, and support the clients environmental goals.

From early-stage exploration through to launch, you'll lead projects, work closely with internal teams, engage with suppliers and start-ups, and support packaging trials across multiple sites. Ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and performance will be at the heart of everything you deliver.

What You’ll Be Doing
• Leading research and development of new, commercially viable packaging solutions.
• Exploring and assessing new materials, technologies, and formats with suppliers and innovation partners.
• Conducting horizon scanning and sharing insights with internal teams.
• Turning consumer and brand insights into packaging concepts that work in practice.
• Developing a packaging benchmarking approach to support future innovation.
• Managing packaging projects from concept through to launch.
• Providing technical input to ensure all packaging meets regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
• Supporting trials, feasibility testing, and factory line assessments.
• Identifying opportunities to improve sustainability, reduce waste, and drive cost-effective solutions.
• Working closely with buyers to align innovation with sourcing strategies and supplier capability.
What You’ll Bring
• A degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, or similar.
• At least 3–5 years’ experience in packaging development or technology, ideally within food.
• Strong understanding of food packaging materials such as films, paperboard, rigid plastics, barrier formats, and MAP.
• Knowledge of food contact regulations, hygiene standards, and compliance requirements (e.g., EPR, PPT, BRCGS).
• Experience working with packaging lines in production environments.
• Confident project management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at pace.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable
• Experience within food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with multi-market food packaging regulations.
• Understanding of sustainable packaging and life cycle assessment tools.
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• Experience supporting packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.

Additional Information

This is a predominantly office-based role with regular travel across the UK and occasional international travel depending on project needs.

If you want to help shape the future of packaging across a growing business and enjoy working in a hands-on, fast-moving environment, I’d be keen to hear from you