Packaging Technologist

Kepak is one of Europes leading food companies with 12 sites across Ireland & the UK 4500 employees and has a turnover of 1.5 billion.

Kepaks vision is to be a successful sustainable future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core that is a great place to work.This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility Ambition Passion for Food and Teamwork.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Packaging Technologist to join our team in Merthyr Wales.

Reporting to the Packaging Category Manager this role will help identify test and implement innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for the business ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company standards while optimising cost quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Packaging Development and Optimisation:
• Design and develop packaging solutions that meet product requirements ensuring shelf life food safety and visual appeal.
• Collaborate with crossfunctional teams (e.g. NPD production marketing) to tailor packaging to product specifications and brand identity.
• Continuously evaluate and optimise existing packaging materials and processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
2. Sustainability Initiatives:
• Implement and support sustainable packaging practices to reduce the environmental footprint and meet company and industry targets.
• Research and trial ecofriendly packaging materials and technologies in line with company sustainability goals.
3. Quality and Compliance:
• Ensure all packaging solutions comply with food safety regulations legal requirements and customer specifications.
• Conduct packaging trials and quality tests such as durability and shelflife studies to guarantee performance.
4. Project Management:
• Lead packaging projects from concept to implementation ensuring deadlines and targets are met.
• Manage packagingrelated aspects of new product development (NPD) projects.
5. Continuous Improvement:
• Stay up to date with industry trends technological advancements and regulatory changes in packaging.

• Diploma/Degree in Packaging Technology Food Science Engineering or a related field. (preferred)
• Minimum 35 years of experience in packaging development preferably within the food or meat industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations packaging materials and technologies (e.g. MAP vacuum packaging).
• Experience in sustainability initiatives and ecofriendly packaging solutions is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel for supplier visits packaging trials and product launches as needed.

What can we offer you

• Hybrid working model
• Company Pension
• Further Education support
• Employee Discount Platform All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Refer a Friend Scheme Earn a referral bonus up to 500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
• Bike to Work Scheme You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income meaning you pay less tax!
• Long Service Awards We recognise acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support family and relationship advice debt management back to work support and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.