Group Packaging Technologist

Job Title: Who is New England Seafood International?

New England Seafood International (NESI) was established in 1991 and is an importer and processor of premium fresh and frozen sustainable fish and seafood. NESI employs circa 650 people across two sites in the UK and imports a wide range of wild and farmed fish and shellfish from all around the world. We are part of the Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation formed in 1971 and which is owned by 22,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders, who are all bloodline descendants of the first settlers to the Americas.
Our vision is to “show people how to enjoy fish every day” and we pride ourselves on our supply chain integrity, sustainable sourcing and high-quality product. Our values run through our business and are Respect, Customer Care, By Learning We Grow, Team Spirit and Integrity.

Title: Group Packaging Technologist
Reports to: Group Technical Director
Location: Chessington or Grimsby
Salary: DOE
Shift pattern: Mon – Fri. Site Based travel will be required
Hours: 40 hours a week
At NESI our core purpose is enhancing lives through fish, and we believe people are the most important asset to any business, that is why we chose to put all our people first, by investing in developing our leaders to ensure they can support their teams in growing individuals, to reach their true potential.
We are now on the lookout for an individual who is a self starter who has high energy and a solid background in packaging to join our team where they will lead and manage the process for from concept to launch on new products and materials, but also existing, ensuring that the right quality and spec are continuously maintained.
This role will work and support across the group, Grimsby, Chessington and Paignton.
Scope and purpose of the role

• To share knowledge and expertise about packaging concepts, packaging machines, technologies, and materials that will protect and preserves products.
• Approve and sign off current and proposed packaging concepts will transfer safely through the supply chain to consumer
• To lead new products development and new concepts that will enable NESI to implement innovative packaging formats that brings value, safety, quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• To work closely with the cross functional teams, namely but not exhausted to Engineering, Technical, NPD and Operations engaging in problem solving techniques to deliver continuous improvements to our operations
• To support our procurement team on selection, trialing and approval of alternative materials and suppliers at supplier bases and within NESI factories.
• To support Technical & Operational teams in quality checks, reports and claims whenever is required.
• To own the management of all packaging specs (new and current), the quality standards and all packaging supplier/product compliance on the Supplier Compliance Portal.
• Working with the Supply Base Manager, ensure the packaging risk assessment is always up to date and compliant
• To lead the process of implementation and management of the EPR requirements for NESI packaging .
• To work closely with packaging suppliers on getting the necessary information required by EPR: RAG/RAM data.
• To support the Packaging Administrators & Finance teams on the data gathering , accuracy and on time packaging reports to DEFRA/HMRC and customers.
• To assist Operations and Finance teams in setting the correct bill of materials.
• To engage and work with new packaging materials and solutions with our Customers, Suppliers and other Partners.
• To ensure that we meet the packaging quality and standards in line with the Government and Customers sustainability and quality guidelines.

What is this role accountable for

• Provide guidance when called upon to Production and Engineering to support in achieving lines cost efficiency and waste reductions.
• Working with the Packaging procurement Manager in finding, trialing and approving alternative materials and suppliers for driving cost efficiencies, quality and contingencies. Including overall responsibility for the planning and running of trials of the packaging materials and preparation of reports for the business.
• Support the Supply base team on incoming quality checks, reports and claims for packaging materials as required.
• To own the management of all packaging specs (new and current), the quality standards and all packaging supplier/product compliance on the Supplier Compliance portal
• Provide functional expertise and knowhow to new development projects; work closely with our cross functional teams to provide sustainable, Safe and long-term packaging solutions to our products.
• On packaging base projects or issues, lead the communication with NESI customers, equipment and packaging suppliers, environmental organisations (WRAP, OPRL, UK Plastic Pact, etc.).
• Support in the delivery of our NESI Packaging Initiatives
• Deliver a quarterly horizon scanning report to the business, in preparation for any customer asks.
• Be influential in supporting the sites quality culture programmes.

Key Deliverables
a. Primarily provide and maintain fit for purpose packaging solutions that deliver a high quality and safe product for NESI brand and customers.
b. Environmental and sustainability packaging materials and format.
c. Improved operational performance.
d. Leverage benefits and cost efficiency for the business and customers.
e. Visual appeal and functionality.
f. Strong communication with internal and external partners.
What experiences, knowledge and capabilities do I need to demonstrate?
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate sound evidence of the following:

• A track record of working in a similar and fast-paced food manufacturing environment, with experience in running factory trials and results assessment.
• successful implementation of new packaging, optimization of packaging performance in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of different packaging formats, and have up-to-date knowledge of packaging and sustainability trends, challenges and technologies.
• Knowledge and understanding of retailers packaging codes of practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of EPR legislation
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with demonstratable experience in the Investigation loop from start to finish, confident to escalate to internal and external customers
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, assertiveness, and relationship-building skills
• Managing up and down across all stakeholders
• Proven ability to consider differing viewpoints and propose decisions based on facts and the strategic direction of the business.
• Proven ability to partner with colleagues and customers.
• Time management – self starter

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday
• Pension 5% employee contribution 3% employer contribution
• Life Insurance: 3 x annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount on products
• Unlimited Refreshments
• On-site parking
• Referral Programme
• Sports & Social Fund

NESI Health and Safety

• New England Seafood International will work to ensure it fulfils its moral and legal responsibilities and will not compromise on Health & Safety. We have a strong belief and culture that no one should be hurt resulting from our operations. Health & Safety will always be given priority when considering other business activities.
• We will ensure that all persons are provided with a safe working environment and have access to suitable welfare facilities including safe access and egress.
• We will ensure all our staff are site inducted, provided the necessary levels of H&S training to work safe on site and provided expert training for their role. In order for people to work safely and on completion of a detailed risk assessment, we will provide suitable and appropriate machinery, equipment and PPE to fulfil this objective.
• Our H&S objectives will always be reviewed frequently and will be communicated openly through the business and will be used to drive continued improvement to our H&S standards and culture. This is achieved by consultation and positive interaction with our employees.

NESI Food Safety

• Every employee is expected to be proactive in adhering to Food Safety rules and is encouraged to actively promote and cultivate a Food Safety Culture within the workplace; as a company, we are committed to providing ongoing support, comprehensive training, and the necessary tools to continuously upskill our knowledge about food safety, empowering all team members to engage in open communication with the NESI colleagues to share ideas, address challenges, and collaboratively uphold our commitment to Food Safety Excellence.

Salary Range: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00

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