Packaging Technologist – (12-month FTC) DIDCOT, OXFORDSHIRE Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical, and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 14 stores across the UK and an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website. We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Packaging Technologist on a 12-month fixed term basis to support our Product Design & Development Team, based at our office in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, the remainder of the week from home. ABOUT US We are seeking a Packaging Technologist for a 12-month fixed term contract to lead and manage all packaging activities across our furniture and homewares product ranges. Responsible for developing, testing and implementing packaging solutions that ensure product protection, compliance, cost efficiency and sustainability. The role requires a strong understanding of packaging materials, testing standards, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and waste packaging reporting requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Packaging Development and Management Develop, specify and approve packaging for all products to ensure protection, quality and brand consistency. Collaborate with product design, sourcing, logistics and suppliers to optimise packaging for performance, sustainability and cost. Manage packaging specification, drawing and documentation across all SKUs, ensuring all information is updated to our internal product management system. Conduct supplier packaging audits to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards. Work with suppliers overseas (UK, Europe, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and China) to manage packaging in line with specifications and requirements, ensuring clarity, consistency and compliance across global manufacturing partners. Work alongside the Marketing team to manage a gift packaging rebranding project, including the development and approval of new retail packaging and gift bag designs. Work with the third-party warehouse to introduce high-specification D2C packaging, ensuring premium unboxing experience and optimal protection for direct-to-consumer shipments. Testing and Quality Assurance Give advice to suppliers on drop test requirements, and review and approve supplier in-house drop tests in accordance with internationally recognised standards. Evaluate packaging failures and lead root-cause analysis and corrective action initiatives. Maintain testing records and ensure that packaging performance data is up to date. Sustainability and Compliance Manage EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and waste packaging reporting, ensuring compliance with packaging and recycling regulations such as the UK Plastic Packaging Tax. Work closely with suppliers to identify and implement eco-friendly packaging materials and reduction initiatives without compromising product protection. Continuous Improvement Lead packaging optimisation projects to reduce costs, material usage and environmental impact. Stay up to date with emerging packaging technologies, materials and regulations. Train internal teams and suppliers on packaging standards and best practices. ABOUT YOU Minimum 5 years’ experience in packaging development, ideally within the furniture, homewares or consumer goods sectors. Strong knowledge of packaging materials, testing methods and supply chain logistics. Proven experience managing EPR reporting and packaging waste compliance. Excellent project management and communication skills. Experience working with international suppliers and packaging manufacturers. Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and circular packaging design principles. OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases. Day off for your birthday Health Cash Plan Generous staff discount: 50% Enhanced Pare ntal Leave Employee Assistance Programme Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme Plus, a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more. If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast-paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your current salary, salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.