NPI Packaging Engineer

JOB INTRODUCTION

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking NPI Packaging Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will lead and support research, development, and implementation of cutting-edge packaging solutions for our core and luxury product ranges. You'll play a vital role in shaping the future of our packaging portfolio, contributing to sustainability, quality, and performance improvements while driving business success.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITY

• Assist in identifying new and innovative suppliers, technologies or materials to support the New Pack Ideas key themes and current WG&S business objective.
• Lead research into new ideas / concepts selected for further assessment to help evaluate their technical and commercial business potential against specific pack innovation opportunities.
• Collaborate with a range of R&D and cross functional associates including marketing, suppliers, industry governing bodies, education institutes and industry experts (both internal and external).
• Lead the delivery of a range of new packaging innovation projects in line with the NPI governance process. With the ability to handle multiple projects of different scales, pace and levels ambiguity.
• Develop and execute technical test plans to assess agreed concepts via carrying out required experimentation and prototyping to prove out obstacles, establish cost estimates and validate technical assumption.
• Assist in the exploration and technical evaluation of unknown or unproven areas of packaging innovation.
• Developing technical mastery within the key focus areas to support WG&S business prioritise.
• Contribute to the catalogue of new proven ideas, ensuring they are easily referenced and ready for deployment to support future product developments. Ensuring a competitive advantage to WG&S from a packaging standpoint.
• Maintaining the upkeep of the NPI lab ensuring the space is maintained at standard, reference samples and prototypes are well maintained, catalogued and well presented, ensuring an innovative working environment

JOB OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Degree or diploma in packaging, packaging materials, material science or design engineering with substantial experience and proven record in packaging environment.
• Understanding of packaging sciences, development and manufacturing processes, with significant experience and demonstrated knowledge of packaging print processes, packaging and material componentry, its functionality and performance requirements (in particular containers, closures and secondary packaging).
• A passion for innovation and creativity in packaging design.
• Strong technical and project management skills with the ability to handle projects of varying scales and complexities.
• Excellent collaboration and communication abilities, working across teams and with external partners.
• A proactive mindset with a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Proactive problem solver who thrives in uncertain or evolving environments.

JOB WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits which are designed to promote our employees financial wellbeing. Employees are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
• Our employees enjoy a generous holiday entitlement and an opportunity to 'buy' or 'sell' some holiday entitlement.
• Private Healthcare and Doctor@Hand (remote GP service).
• Our employees can join a defined contribution pension plan. Employees contribute either 4% or 5% of salary, the company contributes 8% or 10% depending on the employee contribution. Employee contributions can be made through salary sacrifice.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme offers practical, impartial support on everyday matters ranging from medical, financial and legal to home and family issues.
• Our Life Assurance cover is a multiple of eight times your annual basic salary.
• Product allocation so that you can enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands.
• Our Cycle to Work scheme allows you to hire a bike for an agreed length of time, and then snap it up for a fraction of its original value. All while making savings (at least 25%) and spreading the cost.
• Every employee has the opportunity to claim up to £1,000 per year for a charity or charities for which they have raised money, volunteered their time or personally donated.
• Learning resources to help you be your best self.