About the Role
Reporting to the Product Development Director, the Packaging Technologist is responsible for the technical development, qualification, compliance and validation of packaging across THG Labs' portfolio.
The role ensures that packaging solutions are functional, compatible, manufacturable, compliant, and aligned with sustainability objectives.
Packaging Development & Feasibility
* Assess technical drawings, specifications, and component samples at feasibility stage.
* Provide clear technical feedback on functionality, compatibility, sustainability, risk, and legislative compliance.
* Support customer and internal briefs by translating packaging concepts into technically viable solutions.
* Lead the development of new primary packaging components, including tooling projects, in collaboration with suppliers.
Compatibility Testing & Validation
* Define pack/product compatibility testing requirements using a risk‑based approach.
* Manage and execute compatibility and performance testing programmes.
* Evaluate test results, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps or mitigations.
* Produce clear, structured testing reports for internal stakeholders and customers.
* Develop or refine testing protocols where standard methods are insufficient.
Documentation, Technical Governance & Global Packaging Compliance
* Create, maintain, and control packaging technical documentation, including component specifications, compatibility reports, and testing records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness.
* Develop and maintain component specifications within internal systems, ensuring alignment with approved packaging and artwork.
* Maintain strong working knowledge of global and regional packaging regulations relevant to beauty, including but not limited to UK, EU, US, and key international markets.
* Proactively horizon scan for upcoming or evolving packaging regulations, EPR requirements, labelling changes, and material restrictions, assessing potential impact to existing and future packaging solutions.
* Clearly communicate regulatory requirements, risks, and changes to key internal stakeholders and customers including recommended actions and mitigation plans.
* Oversee process of packaging artwork approvals from a technical and compliance perspective, ensuring packaging text, symbols, materials, and declarations meet applicable global and regional regulatory requirements.
* Act as a technical point of contact for packaging compliance queries from internal teams and customers.
* Ensure packaging documentation and artwork approvals are aligned to change control processes, with full traceability of decisions and approvals.
Manufacturing Support & Scale‑Up
* Attend first production runs for new or high‑risk packaging components at filling sites.
* Provide technical support during factory trials and early production.
* Investigate and resolve packaging issues arising during manufacture or scale‑up.
* Work with Operations to ensure packaging is robust, efficient, and fit for high‑volume FMCG production.
Cross‑Functional & Stakeholder Engagement
* Represent the Packaging function at weekly NPD and feasibility meetings.
* Communicate risks, timelines, and technical decisions clearly to project teams.
* Support internal and customer‑facing discussions with packaging expertise.
* Educate internal stakeholders on packaging processes, testing requirements, and compliance expectations.
Continuous Improvement & Sustainability
* Stay informed on new materials, components, regulatory changes, and industry trends.
* Support sustainable packaging initiatives including material reduction, recyclability, and responsible sourcing.
* Oversee compilation of data and reporting required for sustainability and compliance submissions.
People Leadership & Team Development
* Mentor and develop two Senior Packaging Technicians, ensuring clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations.
* Allocate and oversee day‑to‑day workload across the team to ensure timely and high‑quality delivery of packaging testing, documentation, and compliance activities.
* Provide technical guidance, coaching, and review of work outputs, particularly for compatibility testing, reporting, specifications, and artwork approvals.
* Support the professional development of direct reports through training, knowledge sharing, and on‑the‑job coaching.
* Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and development planning, aligned to THG Labs behaviours and values.
* Foster a collaborative, accountable, and quality‑driven team culture.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent experience in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
* Experience in FMCG beauty, personal care, or consumer goods manufacturing.
* Strong technical understanding of primary packaging systems (bottles, jars, pumps, closures, droppers).
* Knowledge of packaging materials and pack/product interaction.
* Experience managing compatibility testing, validation, and scale‑up.
* Confident interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
* Strong organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
* Exposure and understanding of global packaging regulations.
* Understanding of tooling development and supplier manufacturing processes.
* Experience supporting sustainability or packaging compliance initiatives.
Benefits
Career Development
* Access bespoke development programmes designed and developed by our in‑house L&D team.
* Continued development through our upskilling programme delivered in partnership with an industry‑leading training provider.
Enhanced Leave
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Enjoy your day off on us!
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.
* Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
* Buy back up to 3 days each year.
* Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12 months.
Wellbeing Support
* Access to virtual appointments with an in‑house GP.
* Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Bupa.
Other Perks
* Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.
* Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.
* Refer a colleague and receive up to £1000 after they pass probation.
* Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.
Equal Opportunities & EEO Statement
THG is proud to be a Disability Confident, Committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.
THG is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
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