Kite Packaging was founded from scratch in 2001 with a unique vision - To be the premier packaging supplier in the UK with a philosophy of employee-ownership. At Kite, we believe that "customer satisfaction matters so much more when you own the business,” and so, from the moment Kite Packaging was founded, we established it as an employee-owned business so that every single employee could share in the benefits that come from giving great customer service. Our belief in employee ownership is a key founding principle of Kite Packaging because at the heart of every good long-term relationship there has to be a sense of partnership.
With our employee partners, our customer partners, and our supplier partners, there is the simple truth that what is in the long-term good of one has to be in the long-term good of the other. This has allowed us to invest in our business to build a truly great platform from which to service our customers, support our suppliers, and grow our employees. From our earliest days, Kite has not only offered its employees the opportunity to become owners, but it has also been a place where we have nurtured and grown our own talent. When we were less than 1 year old, we started our first graduate programme and apprentice scheme and have continued to run both programmes all the way up to the present day.
Since 2001, and with our vision at the forefront of everything we do, Kite has grown quickly to be one of the largest distributors in the UK. We now have 10 sites around the UK which are fully integrated into our national and international supply chain, ensuring that we can deliver the right product on time, at the right price, every time. As the business has grown, we have made sure that no customer is left behind – supplying stock products and basic packaging equipment through our website, and offering a bespoke service to large packaging users and those who need specialist solutions. Whatever problem or issue you may have, when it comes to packaging, Kite is here to help.
Upon completion of the programme, successful candidates would take up a position to further develop their skills with an opportunity to become a Team Leader or Manager.
We are looking for exceptional candidates who have the potential and ambition to become managers of the future specialising in Commercial/Purchasing, Customer Service, Sales, Operations, and Logistics.
The programme will give you a unique opportunity to experience working in all parts of the business with professional development training and support along the way. You will be mentored by and report to a Kite Managing Partner, who will provide insight into the operational side of Kite Packaging and support your learning.
You could be working on:
1. Working with the commercial and purchasing teams assisting with customer enquiries, supply chain management, sourcing of new products, and pricing.
2. Supporting account managers with customer service, communicating with Kite’s vast customer portfolio, and helping manage customer projects.
3. Working with the sales team targeting prospective customers, helping generate and manage enquiries, learning about Kite’s product and solution offering.
4. Supporting the warehouse operations, learning the warehouse management processes and distribution logistics planning.
5. Assisting the branch manager with office administration, data management, and special project execution.
The apprentices will have the opportunity to participate in and learn about every business function of their local branch and will ultimately be able to shape their own career in the business function most suited to them within Kite.
Successful candidates will obtain a BSc (Hons.) degree which will include:
1. Identifying opportunities for technological improvement and selecting products from suppliers.
2. Working with market research professionals to translate consumer insight into packaging design features.
3. Identifying packaging opportunities and championing them to stakeholders.
4. Identifying and optimising solutions that improve sustainability and minimise environmental impact.
5. Managing complex projects to time and budget.
6. Generating new packaging products in response to briefs ensuring that packaging developed meets set requirements, legislation, and specifications.
7. Producing samples to optimise the end product; different materials, formats, and designs.
8. Running trials to check packaging for suitability and performance under various conditions.
9. Controlling specifications, production, and quality standards undertaking technical evaluations, selections, and negotiating with suppliers.
This is a 4-year programme integrating a professional business degree (BSc. Hons.) focusing specifically on the Packaging Industry in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University. The degree starts in January 2026 and involves attending Sheffield Hallam University on block study for a total of 20-25 days each year. All costs of attending the degree course, as well as the time off work required, will be covered by Kite Packaging.
Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.
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