Job Title: Food Packaging Technologist
Working within the Coveris Food Science Laboratory as part of our wider Technical team, the Food Packaging Technologist is primarily responsible for integrating food science technology with flexible packaging knowledge to benefit various market sectors, such as prepared produce, meats, cheese, and bakery products.
This role adds value to Coveris's product offerings through food science technology applied to both products and packaging materials/processes. It aims to enhance product shelf life and quality, reduce food waste, maintain food safety, and support the development of sustainable packaging technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze data from shelf-life trials, including organoleptic and gas analysis, to understand the relationship between packaging and food.
- Oversee site-based laser capabilities, ensuring reliability and working with senior laser leads, operators, and the technical team.
- Manage perforation trials in the factory to ensure efficient processing of new techniques and specifications.
- Assist in writing shelf-life trial protocols and reports, including data analysis and formatting for customer projects.
- Participate in food science/application development trials at customer sites and support external project meetings.
- Manage projects related to Food Science, Laser, and perforation-based initiatives.
- Support production and quality teams with food safety queries related to perforation equipment and measurement systems.
- Work with internal systems to apply perforation specifications and diagrams accurately.
- Provide internal and external food science training, including customer visits and tours.
- Maintain internal business systems such as EQMS and project trackers.
- Assist the central technical team in creating effective packaging solutions that meet performance and sustainability goals.
- Support the Department Manager in daily operations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the line manager.
Liaison:
Coordinate with the technical team, field services, sales team, customers, suppliers, and other departments requiring food science input or data.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Degree in Food Science, Food Biotechnology, Horticultural Plant Science, Biology, or related field.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; experience with Adobe Illustrator is a plus.
- Strong communication skills to influence and liaise effectively at all levels.
- Ability to travel within the UK and internationally; a full UK driving license is required.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Self-motivated, capable of working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Company Benefits:
- Monthly salary
- Company pension scheme
- Medicash health scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Sick pay
- Health and wellbeing programs
- 4x death in service life insurance
- Uniform provided and laundered in-house
- Free onsite parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Climate-controlled, friendly work environment
- Permanent position with career progression opportunities