Packaging Technologist |THG LABS

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About THG
We are THG, a global ecommerce group on a mission to be the global online leader in beauty and sports nutrition.
Our portfolio of leading retailers and brands such as LOOKFANTASTIC, Myprotein, ESPA, Perricone MD, and Cult Beauty form our two core businesses: THG Beauty and THG Nutrition.
From Manchester to New York, we're powered by a team of over 2500 people who work together, lead by example, and think BIG.
With us, you'll go further, faster. What are you waiting for?
Life at THG Labs

THG acquired Acheson & Acheson in 2018 to bring full service, product development & manufacturing in-house to supply innovative branded and THG Beauty Brand products to the industry. In 2022 Acheson & Acheson became THG Labs. Capabilities include:
* In-house market knowledge & trends
* End-to-end service from idea generation through to manufacturing and launch
* Technical, commercial and production expertise
* Outstanding customer service

Why be a Packaging Technologist at THG Labs?
Reporting to the Product Development Director, the Packaging Technologist is responsible for the technical development, qualification, compliance and validation of packaging across THG Labs' portfolio. The role ensures that packaging solutions are functional, compatible, manufacturable, compliant, and aligned with sustainability objectives
The Packaging Technologist provides technical leadership, prioritisation, and guidance to the team, working hands-on alongside Senior Packaging Technicians in the delivery of packaging development, testing, documentation, and compliance activities across all projects.

As Packaging Technologist, you'll:
Packaging Development & Feasibility
· Assess technical drawings, specifications, and component samples at feasibility stage
· Provide clear technical feedback on functionality, compatibility, sustainability, risk, and legislative compliance
· Support customer and internal briefs by translating packaging concepts into technically viable solutions
· Lead the development of new primary packaging components, including tooling projects, in collaboration with suppliers

Compatibility Testing & Validation
· Define pack/product compatibility testing requirements using a risk-based approach
· Manage and execute compatibility and performance testing programmes
· Evaluate test results, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps or mitigations
· Produce clear, structured testing reports for internal stakeholders and customers
· Develop or refine testing protocols where standard methods are insufficient

Documentation, Technical Governance & Global Packaging Compliance
· Create, maintain, and control packaging technical documentation, including component specifications, compatibility reports, and testing records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness
· Develop and maintain component specifications within internal systems, ensuring alignment with approved packaging and artwork
· Maintain strong working knowledge of global and regional packaging regulations relevant to beauty, including but not limited to UK, EU, US, and key international markets
· Proactively horizon scan for upcoming or evolving packaging regulations, EPR requirements, labelling changes, and material restrictions, assessing potential impact to existing and future packaging solutions
· Clearly communicate regulatory requirements, risks, and changes to key internal stakeholders and customers including recommended actions and mitigation plans
· Oversee process of packaging artwork approvals from a technical and compliance perspective, ensuring packaging text, symbols, materials, and declarations meet applicable global and regional regulatory requirements
· Act as a technical point of contact for packaging compliance queries from internal teams and customers
· Ensure packaging documentation and artwork approvals are aligned to change control processes, with full traceability of decisions and approvals

Manufacturing Support & Scale-Up
· Attend first production runs for new or high-risk packaging components at filling sites
· Provide technical support during factory trials and early production
· Investigate and resolve packaging issues arising during manufacture or scale-up
· Work with Operations to ensure packaging is robust, efficient, and fit for high-volume FMCG production

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Engagement
· Represent the Packaging function at weekly NPD and feasibility meetings
· Communicate risks, timelines, and technical decisions clearly to project teams
· Support internal and customer-facing discussions with packaging expertise
· Educate internal stakeholders on packaging processes, testing requirements, and compliance expectations

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability
· Stay informed on new materials, components, regulatory changes, and industry trends
· Support sustainable packaging initiatives including material reduction, recyclability, and responsible sourcing
· Oversee compilation of data and reporting required for sustainability and compliance submissions

People Leadership & Team Development
· Mentor, and develop two Senior Packaging Technicians, ensuring clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations
· Allocate and oversee day-to-day workload across the team to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of packaging testing, documentation, and compliance activities
· Provide technical guidance, coaching, and review of work outputs, particularly for compatibility testing, reporting, specifications, and artwork approvals
· Support the professional development of direct reports through training, knowledge sharing, and on-the-job coaching
· Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and development planning, aligned to THG Labs behaviours and values
· Foster a collaborative, accountable, and quality-driven team culture

What skills and experience do I need for this role?
·Degree or equivalent experience in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline
· Experience in FMCG beauty, personal care, or consumer goods manufacturing
· Strong technical understanding of primary packaging systems (bottles, jars, pumps, closures, droppers)
· Knowledge of packaging materials and pack/product interaction
· Experience managing compatibility testing, validation, and scale-up
· Confident interpreting technical drawings and specifications
· Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills
· Exposure and understanding of global packaging regulations
· Understanding of tooling development and supplier manufacturing processes
· Experience supporting sustainability or packaging compliance initiatives

What's in it for me?
Career Development
* Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team.
* Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry-leading training provider.
Enhanced Leave
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Don't want to work on your birthday? We don't either! Enjoy your day off on us!
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.
* Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
* Buy back up to 3 days each year.
* Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12-months.
Wellbeing Support
* Access to virtual appointments with our in-house GP.

* Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.
Other Perks
* Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.

* Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.

* Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to £1000 when they pass their probation.
* Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.

THG is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.
THG is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Because of the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application we receive within 14 days. If you haven't heard from us within that time frame or should you have any specific questions about this or other applications for positions at THG please contact one of our Talent team to discuss further