* 12 Month Fix Term Contract
* Could be 14 - 16 Months depending on start date
About Our Client
This organisation is a leading manufacturer and supplier of disposable food packaging solutions for the Food Service, Retail, Brand, and Cash & Carry sectors. They operate within a fast paced, growth driven environment, supplying high quality, innovative, and sustainable packaging products used widely across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With vertically integrated manufacturing and strong technical expertise, the company focuses heavily on product innovation, operational excellence, and customer centric solutions. Their teams collaborate internationally, including close work with manufacturing operations in Asia, to bring new products to market efficiently and responsibly.
Job Description
We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Product Development Manager to join the business on a 12 month maternity cover contract. This is a central and highly visible position where you will act as the key link between Sales, Procurement, Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, and Marketing teams.
You will take full ownership of the end to end product development process, supporting both core product ranges and bespoke customer projects across the UK and EU markets.
* Identify market opportunities and work with internal stakeholders to strengthen and expand the core product range.
* Act as the primary connection point between Sales, Procurement, and Technical teams on major customer projects.
* Lead the development of bespoke packaging solutions that meet customer sustainability, technical, and branding requirements.
* Serve as the first point of contact for all Product Development queries, ensuring product consistency and technical accuracy.
* Support Procurement in assessing, vetting, and on boarding new suppliers from a product/technical perspective.
* Work collaboratively with international manufacturing teams on new product launches and localisation of product lines.
* Provide Marketing with technical product data for new launches and deliver product training to Sales and Customer Service teams.
The Successful Applicant
Experience and Skills Required
* Previous experience in Product Development or Packaging Product Management is essential.
* Strong understanding of packaging materials, sustainability, and product life cycles.
* Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
* Comfortable working cross functionally with UK and international teams.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience using Asana is an advantage.
* A proactive, collaborative "team player" with resilience and a continuous improvement mindset.
Ideal Candidate
You will thrive in a fast moving commercial environment and enjoy working at the intersection of technical detail, customer need, and commercial strategy. You're organised, confident communicating across departments, and passionate about bringing innovative, sustainable products to market.
What's on Offer
* Up to £45,000 Base Salary (Dependent on Experience)
* Pension Scheme
* Enhanced Maternity / Paternity Pay & Leave
* 12 Month FTC - Possibility being 14-16 months Depending on start date.