Packaging Development Leader

Job Description

Job Description:

The Packaging Development Leader role's purpose is to provide technical leadership of the packaging innovation programme for the Pet Nutrition Technology Hub team. To develop and implement a pet-parent centric packaging innovation pipeline delivering to the Central team agreed portfolios. Work in partnership with R&D in the regions and commercial to deliver optimised, harmonized and sustainable packaging specifications. Be the initiators and owners of global packaging specifications. Provide leadership & direction for the packaging team under their line management. Be a key and active member of the broader Packaging Leadership team and member of the Technology Hub R&D leadership team.

The job requires excellent cross functional alignment across R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Legal, Regulatory, Quality and supply to deliver innovations into the market.

The current and future programme development additionally requires a high level of external collaboration particularly with packaging suppliers, design/prototype agencies and co-manufacturers.

The job will also require a high level of collaboration at a functional level, being part of the broader packaging leadership team and have a responsibility to build packaging excellence and talent.

What are we looking for?

• University Degree in a technical discipline. Ideally Packaging/Design or Science/Engineering.

• Packaging Subject Matter Expertise: Has a strong record of delivering packaging solutions to market as part of FMCG and/or suppliers. Has team leadership experience.

• Strategy: The ability to articulate and translate business goals and requirements to the packaging team creating buy-in and collaboration.

• Leadership: Excellent inter-personal abilities, influencing without authority and inspiring and motivating others. Experience of people management, including engaging, motivating, and ensuring results delivery from their team.

• Partnership building: Has a strong track record of building partnerships internally and externally.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Drive a Pet Parent Centric Innovation mindset across the packaging team, working closely with key internal business partners in R&D, Marketing, CTI/CMI, Commercial, Legal, Regulatory, Quality and Supply to ensure innovative concepts are delivered to market.

• Build key external relationships to support and deliver prototypes and innovations with packaging suppliers, research agencies, external co-manufacturers, packaging organisations, institutes and universities.

• External focus is key to bringing insights and trends into the packaging strategy and programme including consumer relevant packaging trends, material, and technology advances (including data led/AI) to inform and inspire.

• Work with the sustainability team ensuring the delivery of the Mars Sustainable in a Generation goals, including D4C (Design for Circularity) and plastic reduction programmes.

• Work with the packaging leadership team to support the development and implementation of enabling packaging strategies and capabilities

• Collaborate with and support the Science & Technology teams to ensure the development and delivery of suitable future packaging formats to deliver the next generation of products.

• Build a strong and effective working relationship with legal, ensuring freedom to operate and taking opportunities to protect intellectual property.

• Have a thorough understanding of the external environment, legislation and issues that will impact packaging design into the future.

• Leadership and development of their packaging team. Drive a mindset of innovative and sustainable design underpinned with technical excellence.

• Member of the Technology Hub R&D leadership team driving excellence in innovation delivery, team engagement and strong cross functional collaboration.

• Accountable for supporting team engagement, developing both technical and softer skills. Work with the packaging leadership team to build a strong motivated and engaged talent pipeline for packaging.

• Responsible to partner with Central Packaging Capability Director to ensure packaging work is executed in line with packaging Functional Excellence and sustainability roadmap.

• Active member of Central Packaging community helping to advance functional excellence and business impact.

What Can You Expect from Mars?

• Consistently ranked among the UK’s Top 10 ‘Great Places to Work’ since 2016.

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiversity during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here

#LI-AB2