Packaging Project Manager
Multi-Site

I am currently working in partnership with a leading, food manufacturing business to recruit a Packaging Project Manager to join their Operations function.

This is a key appointment, reporting directly to the Director of Production, with responsibility for driving packaging innovation, operational efficiency and legislative compliance across a diverse dairy product portfolio supplying UK, Irish and international markets.

This role will suit an experienced packaging professional who thrives in cross-functional environments and enjoys delivering change from concept through to commercialisation.

Why consider this role?

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Strong focus on career development and progression
• Values-led culture built around Teamwork, Accountability and Continuous Improvement

The Opportunity
You will take ownership of packaging development and optimisation projects, ensuring improvements in product quality, shelf appeal, sustainability and compliance without compromising operational performance.
This is not a desk-based development role. You will be heavily involved with production sites, suppliers and commercial teams to ensure packaging solutions are robust, efficient and future-proofed.

• Lead packaging change projects across commercial, procurement and marketing functions
• Manage the packaging gate process and stakeholder engagement
• Assess and implement packaging innovations while mitigating operational risk
• Conduct trials and risk-manage change prior to commercial launch
• Work closely with site teams to optimise line performance and packaging efficiency
• Engage with packaging material and machinery suppliers on upcoming innovations
• Monitor and interpret legislative changes impacting food packaging
• Drive sustainability initiatives (lightweighting, recyclability, recycled content)
• Develop and manage a master SKU packaging register, identifying opportunities for format rationalisation
• Support continuous improvement across packaging formats and configurations

Your essential ingredients

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar packaging or project-led role
• Degree qualified in Material Science or a related discipline
• Demonstrable experience delivering projects and managing change
• Background within food manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong understanding of temperature-sensitive packaging, barrier technologies, food-grade plastics, multilayer films and vacuum sealing
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Business Central (desirable)
• Strong analytical capability with excellent attention to detail
• Confident communicator across operational and senior stakeholder levels
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities

This is an excellent opportunity for a packaging professional who wants visibility at senior level, autonomy in delivery, and the chance to influence sustainability and innovation strategy within a well-established food manufacturing business.

Interested in finding out more?
Contact Paul Muir to discuss this opportunity in complete confidence on T: 028 9031 3720, or submit an updated CV via the link on the page.

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As an experienced specialist recruiter within Food Manufacturing/FMCG with over 7 years' experience, I recruit Production & Operations professionals at all levels across Northern Ireland.

If this role isn't quite right for you, but you work within Food Production or Operations in Northern Ireland, please feel free to share your CV for future consideration (you can also connect with me on LinkedIn).