R&D Packaging Manager

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference. We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment. Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries. United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

Are you an experienced packaging professional looking for an opportunity to lead innovation, develop talented teams, and make a real impact across a portfolio of leading consumer products? We are seeking an R&D Packaging Manager to lead the development, optimisation and industrialisation of packaging solutions across primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring our packaging delivers an outstanding consumer experience while meeting sustainability, quality, regulatory, manufacturing and cost objectives.

Working closely with cross‑functional teams and external partners, you will drive packaging innovation from concept through to commercialisation while leading and developing a team of packaging specialists.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative packaging solutions from concept to launch.
• Drive packaging optimisation, sustainability initiatives and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership and support across packaging development projects.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to deliver successful packaging solutions.
• Ensure packaging meets quality, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial requirements.
• Lead, develop and mentor the Packaging Team.
• Support continuous improvement through innovation, efficiency and best practice.

What we are looking for

• Degree qualified in Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in packaging development within FMCG or a similar consumer goods environment.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, sustainability, regulatory requirements and manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading packaging projects from concept through to commercial launch.
• Proven people management experience, with the ability to coach, develop and lead technical teams.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost, sustainability and consumer needs.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making capability.
• Experience building effective relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and cross‑functional teams.
• Innovative, collaborative and results‑driven, with a passion for continuous improvement and packaging excellence.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic R&D team where you can influence packaging strategy, lead innovation programmes and develop future packaging solutions that delight consumers while supporting business growth and sustainability goals. If you're passionate about packaging, innovation and leading high‑performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is based at our site based in our Folkestone R&D Facility.

Working hours are 39 per week: Monday – Thursday 8-4:30pm and Friday 8-3:30pm.

Benefits

• 24 days annual leave
• a pension matched up to 9%
• discretionary annual bonus
• membership of a health cash plan

Church & Dwight is a world‑leader in household and personal care products. Our global brands include ARM & HAMMER®, Batiste, OxiClean, Trojan, XTRA, Nair, First Response, Spinbrush, Orajel, vitafusion, Li’l Critters, Water Pik and FLAWLESS®. Founded in 1846, we have operations globally and are listed in the S&P 500.

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