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Director | Taryn Hall Recruitment | Recruitment Specialist and Freelancer
Are you a packaging professional with a passion for technical development, innovation, and delivering real value to customers? At VPK Packaging, we’re looking for a Technical Development Lead to head up our UK & IRE team and help shape the future of sustainable, performance-driven packaging.
About the Role
This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our technical strategy. You’ll lead and prioritise the Technical Development team to deliver value creation for both customers and internal stakeholders, improve margins, and support sales growth. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, embed Right First Time principles, and bring customer-focused innovation to life.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the UK & IRE Technical Development team to deliver impactful, customer-focused solutions.
* Develop strong working relationships with targeted customers, embedding Value Creation and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principals.
* Actively collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, supporting the development and optimisation of tools, systems & WoW.
* Develop training and succession plans using our Skills & Competency framework.
* Collaborate with Sales, Commercial, and Marketing to identify and target high-value opportunities.
* Own and manage projects from ideation through a structured stage-gate process to on-boarding.
* Support tenders with value-driven insights and innovation.
* Co-ordinate automation and sustainability initiatives with strategic partners and customers.
KPIs
* Sales volume growth and customer retention
* Margin improvement
* Enhanced customer engagement and feedback
* Training and development across teams
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Experienced in packaging (ideally sales/technical/design) with strong knowledge of materials, machinery, and the full supply chain
* A confident communicator and influential leader with commercial acumen
* Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing multiple high-value projects
* Passionate about sustainability, continuous improvement, and creating real customer value
Skills You’ll Bring
* Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
* Project and time management excellence
* A collaborative and positive mindset
* Knowledge of sustainability trends, retail, eCommerce and legislation impacting packaging
* A passion for customer satisfaction and innovation
Why Join VPK?
You’ll be part of a business that values innovation, embraces collaboration, and truly cares about people and the planet.
* Life assurance cover
* Company Sick Pay
* Company pension scheme
* 33 days holiday per year (including statutory)
* Individual healthcare cash plan, including cash back on key medical costs, retail discounts and 24/7 Assistance
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Business Development
* Industries
Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
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