Junior Packaging Technologist

Junior Packaging Technologist

Humdinger, Heckington NG34 9JH

The successful person will support the development and delivery of innovative, sustainable packaging solutions by coordinating daily activities, validating designs through testing and trials and maintaining accurate specifications and data. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance and deliver commercially aligned packaging outcomes.

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5

Salary: Up to £33,000

Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00

Breaks: 30 minutes

This role requires travel to Bromborough and Sherburn in Elmet, a full UK driving licence and car is required.

General

• Coordinate daily packaging activities and provide regular updates on progress and KPIs.
• Support project delivery by tracking milestones and proactively identifying risks.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying and resolving packaging issues, reducing costs, minimising delay and challenging existing processes to enhance efficiency and ensure packaging remains fit for purpose.
• Manage a detailed packaging database for all current and new components.

Packaging Development – New Products

• Assist in developing and delivering innovative packaging for new products.
• Champion recyclable and sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Provide advice and technical support to the business during the evolution of packaging design.
• Validate and document packaging solutions by conducting testing and production trials to ensure compliance with functional, commercial, legal and environmental standards and by creating accurate specifications in collaboration with suppliers.

Packaging Samples, Origination & Print Quality

• Manage and maintain packaging assets, including artwork cutter guides, printed components, packaging samples and a comprehensive packaging library.
• Oversee technical approval of packaging artwork and origination to meet deadlines.
• Attend key print runs to approve and standardise print quality.

Innovation

• Build strong stakeholder relationships to align packaging strategy.
• Monitor packaging trends and competitor activity, sharing insights with stakeholders where appropriate.

Environmental

• Keep environmental data for packaging components accurate and current.
• Supply environmental information to customers and third parties as needed.

Commercial Acumen

• Deliver commercially aligned packaging solutions by understanding customer-valued attributes and balancing them with business objectives, cost constraints and operational feasibility.

• Experience in a packaging role within an FMCG or food business.
• Understanding of print processes, colour management technologies and packaging origination.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and influencing skills.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving abilities with a tenacious attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player who contributes positive, progressive ideas and demonstrates a passion for packaging.
• Full driving license and car required.

Desirable:

• Engineering knowledge, especially related to packaging machinery.
• Experience of change projects, such as the introduction of new packaging formats and/or new production lines.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a packaging, technical, science, or design-related discipline.

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension (4% Employer Contributions) 
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.  
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts.  
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme – buy up to one extra week per year (subject to meeting minimum criteria) 
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to meeting minimum criteria) 
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme  (subject to meeting minimum criteria) 
• Family friendly policies including Maternity and Paternity leave above the statutory minimum
• Access to staff shops with exclusive discounts
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the ‘Zertus Values Awards’
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards
• Training and Development Opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships)  

At Humdinger, we transform coco, nuts, seeds, fruit, and pulses into delectable snacks and chocolates for both our in-house label and renowned branded ranges. With a robust and continually growing portfolio, we've earned compliments for our commitment to quality and continuous product innovation. You might have enjoyed our products before, perhaps without even realising it! 

Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  

Your application will be reviewed as part of our selection process. If you’re shortlisted, your application will be shared with the hiring manager for further review. If selected, you will be invited to an onsite interview.