Fantastic opportunity for an experienced Packaging professionalKey role with a major UK food manufacturer offering real ownership and influence About Our Client Michael Page is partnering with a major UK food manufacturing business to recruit a Senior Packaging Technologist for its Manchester‑based site. This is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned organisation employing over 12,000 colleagues across multiple UK manufacturing locations, supplying much‑loved food products throughout the UK and Ireland. Job Description As Senior Packaging Technologist, you will take full ownership of the end‑to‑end packaging process for the site's complete product range. Working cross‑functionally, you will drive optimisation, innovation, and sustainability across packaging design, specification, sourcing, and execution. This is a highly visible role, acting as the packaging subject‑matter expert for the site and wider business. Key Responsibilities Partner closely with NPD, Supply Chain, Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to develop and deliver effective and sustainable packaging solutionsLead the sourcing of packaging materials, including supplier negotiation, cost management, and relationship buildingOwn and maintain packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with product, customer, and legislative requirementsDrive packaging innovation and renovation, covering formats, designs, and materialsPlan and execute packaging trials in collaboration with NPD and OperationsDevelop and deliver initiatives to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability, reusability, and the use of renewable materialsTrain and support internal teams on packaging standards, handling, and sustainability awarenessAct as the packaging lead and key contact during product launches, changes, and seasonal campaignsManage and control the packaging budget for the site The Successful Applicant The successful Senior Packaging Technologist is likely to demonstrate: Proven experience in a packaging‑focused role within FMCG (food manufacturing highly advantageous)Strong knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and print processesSolid project management capability, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneouslyConfidence working in customer‑facing and supplier‑management environmentsExcellent organisational and time‑management skillsA collaborative, cross‑functional working styleAbility to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlinesWorking knowledge of packaging legislation and compliance requirementsA proactive, confident approach with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive improvement What's on Offer Salary circa £50,000Hybrid workingEnhanced employer pension contribution25 days holiday plus bank holidays