R&D Packaging Innovation Technologist

At Britvic we’re on a journey to become the most dynamic soft drinks company. As one of the UK’s leading players in the FMCG market we pride ourselves on setting high standards, being courageous and pushing ourselves to think outside the bottle.

We offer consumers a range of family favourite and global premium brands such as Robinsons, Tango, J20, R Whites & London Essence. We exist to help people enjoy life’s everyday moments.

About the Role:

Our R&D team is uniquely positioned to shape the future of soft drinks by bringing breakthrough innovation to life.  We’re people-centred and deeply collaborative to unlock innovation and growth against our four strategic priorities:

• Build local favourites and global premium brands
• Flavour billions of water occasions
• Healthier People, Healthier Planet
• Access new growth spaces

Our R&D team consists of highly trained scientists and professionals who work collaboratively with internal and external expert partners. Our team use science and technology to transform the future of soft drinks, creating products and packaging that help our consumers to ‘enjoy life’s everyday moments’ with a positive impact on environment and society.

As R&D Packaging Innovation Technologist you will apply your broad knowledge materials, sustainability, and technology to enable more sustainable packaging development. The purpose is to develop innovative and cost effective packaging solutions that contribute to our overall brand propositions and Corporate Sustainability goals. 

The role will partner with Corporate Comms, Procurement, Technical and Marketing teams to create and deliver projects that provide both attractive consumer propositions and ensure we embed sustainability into our pack design for the future.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supporting the delivery of the Britvic Packaging Innovation strategy, with ownership of the delivery of defined elements of the plan.
2. Lead projects to develop new packaging concepts, designs and materials with suppliers and academic partners.
3. Work with internal and external partners on material science projects & initiatives that will support the delivery of Britvic’s long-term ambition.
4. Represent Packaging Innovation in sustainability and recyclability forums with internal stakeholders & external partners (suppliers, academia, industry bodies).
5. Build and maintain a x-functional network within Britvic (globally) to ensure inspiring packaging innovation projects and concepts are aligned to relevant business needs and stakeholders.
6. Liaise with external partners and suppliers regarding packaging compliance and development.
7. Build and maintain a network of contacts within sustainability, food/beverage, and packaging industries.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

1. Knowledge of packaging materials used in FMCG (glass, metal, plastic, card) and emerging technologies within packaging. 
2. Experience of leading packaging projects from ideation to execution, working with cross functional teams
3. Knowledge of multiple packaging formats and types (primary & secondary).
4. Knowledge on packaging sustainability.
5. Technical Research skills in material science or design.
6. Ability to think creatively to address technical challenges and deliver against the business strategy.
7. Good organizational skills and the capability to manage multiple projects.
8. Able to communicate at all levels with clarity and purpose.
9. Self-management of task and time, with the ability to prioritise accordingly.
10. Effective use of planning tools to shape and achieve objectives.
11. Working knowledge of IT systems such as MS Office is essential.

Qualifications:

1. Science degree in relevant subject preferred (Materials science, Chemistry, packaging technology).
2. Relevant Packaging Qualifications are desirable (e.g. IOM3).

We believe we are stronger together and that’s why we’re committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees. We know that by building a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels celebrated, safe and respected - diversity and wellbeing will naturally thrive