Packaging R&D Project Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a world leading global organisation, our Global FMCG Client, the powerhouse behind Persil, Comfort, Surf and Ben & Jerrys, are currently seeking a Packaging R&D Project Manager based at their Leatherhead Site. This is a full-time temporary role for 6 months, 37.5 hour week, paying up to £41,000 per annum pro rata.

Unfortunately we cannot consider candidates who have a notice period longer than 1 month to serve.

Background and Purpose:

• Globally our client has identified E.Commerce as one of the biggest strategic growth drivers for the business, with an ambition for the channel to contribute 30% of total Beauty and Personal Care turnover in the coming years. This role offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, exciting environment. The team will adopt an entrepreneurial, agile and start-up way of working to rapidly create E.Commerce portfolio for our key retailers.
• As well as leading all relevant E.Commerce packaging development, you will develop strong links with wider category R&D teams and co-ordinate any other required development work.

In this role you will:

• Play an integral part in delivering one of the key strategic priorities for the UK&I.
• Problem solve and trouble shoot packaging conundrums.
• Collaborate with category cluster R&D teams as well as partnering with a broad range of other functions.

Main Accountabilities:

• Packaging workstream leader on e-comm projects, leading project through full end to end processes.
• Lead the primary and secondary packaging development for the e-comm projects ensuring robust, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions are selected.
• Work closely with strategic packaging supplier to understand their E.Comm ready packaging solutions currently available and their Roadmaps to move more designs into E.Comm-ready packaging.
• Responsible for all lab testing on the projects, especially E.Commerce for Amazon requirements (ISTA6A).
• Work closely with other functions such as Marketing, Procurement and Supply Chain; as well as category cluster R&D teams to create, develop and deliver product solutions.
• Ability to lead activities independently, acting as TPL for some of the e-comm projects.
• Work and communicate effectively with different categories, departments and functions to deliver against the project ambitions and network timings and identify and manage risks.
• Write packaging specifications ensuring they meet required standards.

Who are we looking for?

• You are a natural problem solver: the ability and passion to problem solve is essential!
• You are a great translator: Must be able to translate the consumer expectations into packaging that continue to delight and bring growth to the company
• You love to win, and have fun doing it: A passion for success is a must. Detail orientated and able to manage multiple and/or complex projects

Key Requirements:

• Relevant experience in packaging, packaging development, product quality, packaging/quality engineering, regularity, R&D quality positions or closely related area.
• Experienced in managing projects, in a fast paced environment, liaising with multiple cross functional teams
• Ability to take technical insights and translate in to easy to understand information
• Willingness to learn and become involved in overlapping areas within the role that are crucial to facilitating the work flow.
• Able to communicate engineering and design principles to people at all levels of the business, across different functions.
• An understanding of the design requirements for packaging solutions to be suitable for E.Commerce beneficial but not essential
• Packaging experience preferably on flexible, rigid, paper and board, gifting beneficial but not essential
• A creative, logical, and analytical mind to generate innovative design solutions to technical design problems.
• Ability to respond and adapt quickly to change in priorities