Structural Packaging Designer (3D construction) - Fixed Term, Maternity Cover 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: March/April 2026 End Date: February/March 2027 Salary: Competitive Benefits Closing date: Friday 13 th March 2026 Are you hands-on creative who loves turning ideas into tangible, shelf-ready packaging that wows consumers and retailers alike? Do you get a buzz from pushing the boundaries of structure, form, and function in packaging design? We're 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. We need a truly innovative Structural Packaging Designer who doesn’t just make boxes but creates experiences that wow consumers. If you love bold, clever, shelf-stopping packaging, this is your next challenge. 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. You'll 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'll be part of a collaborative, fast-paced, and idea-rich environment where creativity is celebrated and innovation is encouraged. Design and develop innovative 3D packaging concepts using Artios 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 comp shops to stay informed on market trends Creative vision: You think beyond the box, spot trends, and create standout packaging. Structural expertise: You turn bold ideas into manufacturable designs that push boundaries. ArtiosCAD mastery: You’re confident using our industry‑standard software. Agile under pressure: You deliver smart, high‑quality work at pace. 3D packaging skills: You have hands‑on experience with carton board and similar substrates. Manufacturing understanding: You know how packaging runs on machinery or hand‑packing lines. Technical construction strength: You build clever, efficient, commercially viable structures. Print & production knowledge: You’re familiar with print conversion and packaging production processes, ensuring designs translate smoothly from concept to shelf. Highly organised: You thrive in a fast‑moving environment, and You manage multiple projects with ease. Clear communicator: You articulate your ideas confidently and collaborate effectively, with an exceptional eye for detail throughout. Competitive salary Home working allowance Hybrid working opportunities available Health Cash Plan (dental, optical, therapy, counselling) 25 days holiday & bank holidays & holiday purchase scheme Penson 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: 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, portfolio and Moodboard online and complete the application questions. Portfolio: Show us innovative cutter guides, the theatre of opening a box, and projects that grabbed attention online or on-shelf. Moodboard: Share a Moodboard of the types of packaging you would love to create. This shows us your creative vision. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a hands-on packaging exercise before the interview. It’s your chance to show flair, push boundaries, and make us say wow. Shortlisted candidates will then 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.