_{05th June, 2026}

Group Packaging Development Manager
Location: Longford
Salary: €65,000 - €70,000 + Pension Contribution
 
Lead Packaging Innovation at Group Level
Are you an experienced packaging professional ready to take ownership of strategy, innovation, and technical leadership across a large-scale FMCG manufacturing environment?
 
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Group Packaging Development Manager to drive packaging excellence across multiple manufacturing locations. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will influence packaging strategy, champion sustainability initiatives, manage key supplier relationships, and lead major packaging development projects from concept through to commercial implementation.
 
This position offers the perfect blend of technical expertise, strategic influence, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement, making it an exceptional opportunity for someone looking to make a lasting impact within a progressive and growing business.
 
The Opportunity
As the packaging subject matter expert within the organisation, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of packaging development, ensuring solutions meet commercial objectives, regulatory requirements, operational needs, and sustainability targets.
 
Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will lead packaging initiatives that drive innovation, enhance product performance, reduce costs, and support long-term business growth.
 
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Packaging Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of group-wide packaging strategies aligned with business objectives and sustainability commitments.
• Act as the technical authority on packaging matters across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Represent the packaging function within senior cross-functional forums and influence key business decisions.

Packaging Development & Innovation

• Lead complex packaging development projects from concept through to full-scale production.
• Evaluate, select, and validate packaging materials for new and existing product ranges.
• Approve packaging specifications, technical standards, and validation protocols.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.

Sustainability & Cost Optimisation

• Champion packaging sustainability initiatives and support the delivery of environmental targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance while reducing costs.
• Lead value engineering projects that balance commercial, operational, and quality requirements.

Supplier & Technical Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with packaging suppliers, laboratories, and technical service providers.
• Lead supplier performance reviews, technical audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers and technical partners to support future business needs.

Technical Project Management

• Oversee packaging trials, validation activities, and implementation plans.
• Manage packaging-related analytical testing and food safety assessments.
• Proactively identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Ensure projects are completed within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor changes in packaging legislation and industry regulations.
• Provide technical guidance during customer, supplier, and certification audits.
• Support quality teams in investigating packaging-related complaints, non-conformances, and performance issues.
• Drive continuous improvement across packaging systems, processes, and specifications.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Senior leadership position with significant influence across the business.
• Opportunity to shape packaging strategy across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and future-proof packaging solutions.
• Exposure to international projects and supplier partnerships.
• High level of autonomy and ownership.
• Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders across R&D, Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, and Commercial teams.
• Excellent platform for career progression within a growing FMCG organisation.
• European travel opportunities to support supplier relationships, innovation projects, and technical initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualification in Packaging Technology, Food Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' packaging development experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or a related sector.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex packaging projects across multiple sites or international operations.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, validation processes, testing methodologies, and food packaging regulations.
• Proven success delivering sustainability programmes and cost optimisation projects.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence decision-making at all levels.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Analytical thinker with a data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Willingness to travel throughout Europe when required.

Ready to Make an Impact?
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious packaging leader who wants to shape packaging strategy, drive innovation, and influence business-wide decisions within a fast-paced FMCG environment.
If you're passionate about packaging, sustainability, and leading projects that deliver real commercial value, we'd love to hear from you.

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