Who are we, and what do we do?
You may not have heard of us, but there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country’s major supermarkets and well-known restaurants.
We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door – meaning we have careers that cover a whole range of functions. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales.
About the Role:
Are you passionate about Technical? Looking for a new challenge?
As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach to accurate customer specifications and adhering to legislative standards across Avara Foods and are looking for a highly competent and motivated Group Packaging Technologist to join our Technical Team, based either at our Dudley, Telford or Hereford sites.
Working hours will be Monday to Friday 08.00 – 17.00.
What will you be doing as a Group Packaging Technologist at Avara?
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of packaging materials, sustainability practices, and new product development (NPD) processes within the food industry. You will play a key role in supporting the development, design, and execution of packaging solutions and foodservice products, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, cost targets, and customer needs.
What will your key responsibilities as a Group Packaging Technologist include?
Packaging knowledge
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of packaging materials used across Avara's product range.
- Function as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting packaging-related issues and offering expert guidance to internal teams.
- Identify and promote sustainable packaging options that are both environmentally friendly and fit for purpose.
- Stay up to date with relevant industry regulations such as OPRL, EPR, and Plastic Tax, ensuring Avara’s packaging complies with these standards.
- Consult with packaging suppliers to secure samples, gain necessary technical information, and stay abreast of new developments and innovations in packaging materials.
Packaging development
- Assist in the design and creation of new packaging concepts and product formats at the concept stage.
- Coordinate and execute factory feasibility trials to evaluate packaging material suitability, including subsequent transit trials and product performance analysis.
- Use results from trials to ensure accurate costings and fine-tune packaging designs.
- Present new packaging concepts and solutions to internal teams and external stakeholders as required.
- Create cutter guides for labels, sleeves, bags, and printed films to ensure accurate production and packaging specifications.
Project Management
- Lead the management of packaging and Foodservice NPD product launches, ensuring seamless execution throughout the Avara NPD process.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, ensuring that all departments complete their assigned tasks in line with agreed timelines.
- Attend and support site-based NPD meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals.
Foodservice NPD
- Collaborate with external suppliers and the Avara insight team to develop innovative product concepts tailored to the foodservice sector.
- Ensure all developed concepts meet costing targets, ingredient specifications, nutritional requirements, and factory capabilities.
- Oversee and manage factory trials to ensure products pass necessary testing, including microbiological, organoleptic, and nutritional assessments.
What you’ll need to be successful:
- At least 2 years of experience in packaging development within an FMCG environment, preferably with experience in the meat or poultry sectors.
- Proven track record in managing critical paths and effectively coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful packaging and product launches.
- Strong understanding of the functional properties of various packaging materials.
- A recognized qualification in Food Science, Technical, or Engineering.
- Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement efficiency improvements within packaging processes.
The benefits of working for Avara Foods:
As a Group Packaging Technologist you will enjoy a secure, supportive and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded.
We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your long-term career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that amongst other things, include the following:
- From £35,000 per annum
- 31 days holiday allowance
- Secure contract with long term career development opportunities
- Straight forward pension contribution of 6%
- Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
- Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salaried Advance Finance
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
- Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, which includes unlimited remote GP appointments and unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy sessions, medical second opinion consultation, and other discounts and perks, such as savings & discounts on weekly costs.
*Ts & Cs apply
What happens after you apply for this role?
After you’ve applied, you’ll be contacted in due course by a Resourcing Officer at our Brackley site, to discuss your application and CV further. There’ll also be a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have about the role.
If you’re ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, apply today!
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
INDHP #TheAvaraWay