Overview
Structural Packaging Designer - Fixed Term, Maternity Cover
Employer Zertus UK & Ireland
Location Fakenham with travel to UK&I sites (Hybrid working opportunities available)
Contract Type Full-time, Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover)
Start Date February/March 2026
End Date February/March 2027
Salary Competitive + Benefits
Closing Date Friday 30 January 2026
Are you hands-on creative who loves turning ideas into tangible, shelf-ready packaging that wows consumers and retailers alike? We are looking for a Structural Packaging Designer to join us on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, supporting packaging development across our UK&I brands including Kinnerton, Lir, and Humdinger. You will play a key role in designing innovative, fit-for-purpose packaging that enhances the customer experience and meets commercial and production needs. Your designs will be at the heart of seasonal launches, gifting ranges, and everyday favourites, helping shape how our brands show up in the world. You will be part of a collaborative, fast-paced, and idea-rich environment where creativity is celebrated and innovation is encouraged.
Using tools like ArtiosCAD and Esko, you will bring ideas to life, from initial sketch to dieline to prototype, ensuring every structure is both beautiful and buildable. This role will include travel to our sites as needed, working closely with internal teams and suppliers to ensure packaging is both creative and practical.
Responsibilities
* Design and develop innovative 3D packaging concepts using CAD software
* Support packaging briefs from concept through to production
* Collaborate with suppliers and site technologists to ensure feasibility and alignment with trends
* Assist with packaging samples for sales, PR, and internal stakeholders
* Maintain a packaging ideas bank and adapt concepts across projects and seasons
* Attend trade shows and shop compares to stay informed on market trends
* Proficient in CAD software (Artios, Esko, Impact, etc.)
* Experience designing 3D packaging in carton board or similar substrates
* Manufacturing experience within food or similar categories, with an understanding of how packaging is made and works with machinery/hand packing
* Strong creative and technical understanding of packaging construction
* Familiarity with print conversion and packaging production processes
* Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects
* Strong communication skills and attention to detail
A portfolio of recent structural packaging work will be required as part of the application.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Home working allowance
* Hybrid working opportunities available
* Health Cash Plan (dental, optical, therapy, counselling)
* 25 days holiday & bank holidays & holiday purchase scheme
* Pension 4% & Life Assurance (4x salary)
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car schemes
* Training & development opportunities
* Monthly recognition awards & wellbeing events
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies - Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser.
As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network.
When you join Zertus, you will be based at one of our Humdinger, Kinnerton, Bromborough or Lir Chocolates UK/ Ireland locations, unless your role is hybrid/home-based.
Our manufacturing locations include Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, Navan (Ireland). We have a hot-desking office space in Hull (East Yorkshire) and also in Camden, London.
To apply, please submit your CV and portfolio online and complete the application questions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Teams interview, followed by a task-based assessment and an in-person meeting at one of our UK&I sites with our Senior Creative Studio Manager.
Zertus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is likely to include special category data and is therefore covered by data protection laws. We ask for this information so that we are fully aware of any adjustments needed and we will use the information provided to inform our decisions about making those changes.
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