Senior Packaging Projects Manager
Multi-Site Role | Northern Ireland | Permanent

Contact: Conor O’Hagan

Hunter Savage is delighted to be partnering with a leading, well-established food manufacturing organisation to recruit a Senior Packaging Projects Manager to join their Operations function. This is a key strategic role supporting multiple operational sites across Northern Ireland, with a base location flexible across NI and regular site travel required.

Top 3 Things About This Role

1. Strategic Impact – Lead packaging innovation across a major FMCG business, directly influencing product quality, sustainability, and operational performance.
2. Autonomy & Ownership – End-to-end responsibility for packaging projects, from concept through trials to full commercialisation.
3. Sustainability Focus – Drive meaningful change in recyclable materials, lightweighting, and improved environmental performance.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Production, the Senior Packaging Projects Manager will develop and implement innovative packaging solutions to enhance product quality, visual appeal, legislative compliance, and operational efficiency.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Procurement, Marketing, and Site Operations teams to successfully lead packaging change initiatives across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development and change projects across multiple sites
• Manage the packaging stage-gate process to ensure stakeholder engagement
• Conduct trials and risk assessments to support effective commercialisation
• Identify and implement packaging innovations with no adverse operational impact
• Support production teams to optimise packaging line performance
• Work closely with packaging material and machinery suppliers on new technologies and R&D pipelines
• Monitor and assess legislative changes impacting packaging
• Drive sustainability initiatives including lightweighting, recyclability, and increased recycled content
• Maintain and rationalise the SKU packaging master register to improve efficiency
• Support continuous improvement across packaging formats and configurations

About You

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar packaging/project management role
• Degree in Material Science or related discipline
• Proven experience delivering projects and implementing change within FMCG or food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of packaging manufacturing methods, barrier technologies, food-grade plastics, multilayer films, and temperature-sensitive packaging
• Experience working with suppliers and understanding emerging packaging technologies
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Business Central (desirable)
• Excellent communication, organisation, and analytical skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to prioritise under pressure
• Proficient in MS Office
• Full right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Contributory company pension
• Life assurance
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Opportunity to shape packaging strategy within a leading NI manufacturer

 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced packaging professional who wants to take ownership of innovation and sustainability initiatives within a dynamic, multi-site manufacturing environment.

For a confidential conversation or to apply, please contact: Conor O’Hagan

All enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.