Senior Packaging & Innovation Lead

Little Stukeley

2 months ago

Applications closed

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Senior Packaging & Innovation Lead
Location & Setup: Cambridgeshire - Hybrid
Package: circa £60,000 - £75,000 plus car allowance and bonus

The Opportunity

We're partnering with a global FMCG leader to appoint a Senior Packaging & Innovation Lead into a newly created role with genuine scope and influence.

This position is not purely technical. It will suit someone who enjoys working at the front end of innovation, where direction is not always fully defined, and who can balance technical packaging expertise with strategic, commercial and creative thinking.

You'll lead packaging innovation and optimisation initiatives across global operations, shaping long-term packaging strategy while translating early-stage concepts into scalable, market-ready solutions. Working closely with R&D, Commercial, Sustainability and Supply Chain teams, you'll help define what "next-generation packaging" looks like for the business.

Key Responsibilities

Own and drive packaging innovation projects from early concept and ambiguous brief through to industrialisation

Translate business, consumer and sustainability challenges into clear packaging strategies and solutions

Lead and influence open innovation activity, collaborating with suppliers, startups, research partners and technology providers

Balance technical feasibility with commercial and strategic considerations to deliver meaningful impact

Identify and interpret global packaging trends, emerging technologies and regulatory developments

Plan, coordinate and oversee technical trials, pilots and line validations

Act as a cross-functional partner to R&D, Commercial, Sustainability and Supply Chain teams, influencing direction rather than simply executing tasks

What We're Looking For

Degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline

7-10 years' experience within FMCG or food packaging environments

Strong understanding of innovation processes and innovation strategy, not just technical delivery

Proven experience working with open innovation models, technology scouting and external partnerships

Comfortable operating with incomplete information, shaping direction and working through ambiguity

Solid grounding in food-grade materials, sustainability principles (LCA, recyclability) and packaging regulations

Ability to balance technical depth with strategic, business-focused thinking

Confident communicator with the credibility to influence senior and cross-functional stakeholders

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of packaging within a global food business that genuinely invests in innovation.

You'll be part of a forward-thinking team connected to a new Innovation Centre launching in 2026, where long-term thinking, experimentation and collaboration are actively encouraged. If you're motivated by solving complex problems, driving strategy and creating sustainable packaging solutions that make a real difference, this role offers both challenge and purpose

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