Packaging Technologist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Packaging Technologist to join the ASDA Brand Team. This role is key to enabling the business to develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs and expectations of our Customers.

About the role:

As a Packaging Technologist, you will be one of a team of go-to Subject Matter Experts, supporting the delivery of high quality, sustainable, innovative and legally compliant packaging solutions that are aligned to our wider business objectives.

You will work closely with other teams within the Own Brand Function as well as external suppliers and partners as a source of knowledge and guidance.

What you’ll be responsible for:

Reporting to the Senior Manager for Packaging Print and Packaging Sustainability, you will:

• Lead the development of market-leading structural packaging formats for NPD (new product development) projects across all Asda trading categories as required including Fresh and Ambient Food, Non-Edible Grocery and Foodservice.

• Lead the delivery of Asda’s Packaging Sustainability Strategy within your key trading categories, spotting commercial opportunities and challenging the status-quo.

• Develop strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver innovative and cost-effective packaging solutions which are aligned to our ASDA Brand strategy and broader ESG commitments.

• Ensure adherence to the Asda Packaging Policy as well as current UK and EU legislation, including EPR and PPWR.

• Work closely with suppliers and the broader team to improve packaging specification data, setting a high benchmark for data accuracy. Conduct spot-checks to ensure consistently high standards.

• Keep in touch with trends and developments in technology, sharing findings with internal teams and building into future business unit plans.

• Invest time in self-development, maintaining high levels of expertise in Packaging Technology and related subjects.

About you:

• Do you have a real passion for packaging?

• Do you have an IOP Diploma in Packaging Technology (or equivalent qualification) and/or a minimum of 3 years of proven packaging development experience within an FMCG business?

• Are you a highly motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment?

• Do you have strong interpersonal and organisation skills, enabling you to work independently, prioritise effectively and deliver to deadlines?

• Do you have a good level of awareness of sustainability principles?

• Are you in touch with the latest innovations in packaging as well as awareness of the key legislative changes shaping the industry?

• Are you a strong communicator who can present recommendations clearly and concisely to decision makers at all levels?

If you can answer 'yes' to the questions above, then we would love to hear from you!

Everything you'll love:

To ensure we balance moments where we know we need to collaborate together and the need for flexibility, Asda has a hybrid way of working with a minimum 3 days a week in one of our Home Offices. Over and above this, each area of Asda may have additional requirements which may require spending more days in the office, visiting suppliers, stores or depots.

You will also get an excellent benefits package including:

• Discretionary company bonus

• Company pension up to 7% matched

• 15% colleague discount in store and online

• Free access to wellbeing services such as Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline, alongside discounts across a range of services and activities, from airport parking, enhanced to theme parks and cinemas.

• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks – helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated

• Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments.

We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be Proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves