The Role
This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you’ll lead packaging performance, productivity and sustainability across Ella’s Kitchen and Hain International.
You’ll manage a portfolio of cost-saving, performance-improving and sustainability-driven packaging projects, ensuring we focus on the initiatives that deliver the greatest value — while keeping everything safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
Working closely with Procurement, Marketing, Manufacturing and Technical teams, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our packaging and supporting innovation across multiple sites and brands.
You’ll also lead and support an interim packaging resource and act as a subject-matter expert for packaging across the business.
What you’ll be doing
You will:
1. Lead and prioritise a programme of packaging productivity, quality and cost-saving initiatives across Hain International sites
2. Identify and drive new opportunities for efficiency, waste reduction and complaint reduction
3. Build strong networks across manufacturing sites to embed improvements and best practice
4. Support delivery of packaging sustainability targets, including reduction and recyclability
5. Partner with Procurement so packaging changes are well-managed and supplier-aligned
6. Manage business continuity challenges (e.g. supply risks) as they arise
7. Ensure packaging specifications are accurate, up-to-date and usable
8. Align all packaging projects with the Hain Packaging Strategy
9. Support new product development, introducing new materials, formats and technologies
10. Ensure packaging remains fit for purpose throughout product launches
11. Track and respond to changing UK & EU packaging and safety regulations
12. Build collaborative relationships with suppliers and co-manufacturers
13. Support supplier performance management through KPIs and audits
14. Manage and support the interim packaging resource
15. Lead packaging technical reporting for Ella’s Kitchen (e.g. WRAP, EPR, retailer requirements)
16. Be a key voice in shaping packaging data and reporting systems
What you’ll bring
You’ll need:
17. A degree in food science, packaging or a related field (or equivalent experience)
18. At least 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing or technical operations, ideally with strong packaging exposure
19. Experience delivering packaging innovation projects across multiple sites
20. Excellent organisation, attention to detail and problem-solving skills
21. A passion for food, packaging, sustainability and quality
22. The confidence to challenge, influence and improve
23. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
24. Ability to manage multiple complex projects with minimal supervision
25. Solid MS Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
26. Willingness to travel across the UK and EU
27. A genuine fit with our values:
We Want to Win, We’re Business-Minded, We’re Childlike, We Think Differently, We’re Good to Each Other
Nice to have:
28. Proven success in sustainable or circular-economy packaging
29. Strong knowledge of food safety, legal and packaging regulations
30. Experience with BRC, NPD and quality systems
31. Great presentation and influencing skills
What you’ll get in return
We offer much more than just a job — we offer a place to grow, belong and make an impact:
32. Competitive salary
33. Discretionary bonus
34. Private medical & dental, life assurance and pension
35. 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more)
36. High-street discounts & wellbeing events
37. Give It A Go days and plenty of opportunities to learn
38. A beautiful working environment at our Oxfordshire barns, with flexible hybrid working
Our commitment to inclusion
At Ella’s Kitchen, we believe everyone should feel safe to be themselves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer full and fair consideration regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or family status.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’re here to support you.
If this sounds like the role for you, click APPLY NOW!
Qualifications
Benefits
Not Specified