JOB TITLE: Packaging Technologist - Apprenticeship course

REPORTS TO: Head of Creative

LOCATION: Aylesford, Kent. Office based

WORKING HOURS: 8.00am – 4.30pm

A bit about the role

We have created a brand new position of a Packaging Technologist within our product team, we have never had someone purely focus on packaging before, so this will be a really exciting opportunity for a packaging enthusiast. You will be responsible for the research, development and sourcing of packaging for a range of furniture that are cost-effective, sustainable, and appropriate for protecting and transporting our products.

You will work cross-functionally with NPD, Sustaining Engineering, Marketing and Purchasing teams, as well as with external suppliers, to deliver packaging specifications, costings and trials so you will need to a confident communicator and be able to problem solve.

You will need to manage your workload, be a confident communicator liaising between suppliers, and present your findings back to managers. This would suit someone who has already worked within packaging or if you have a design background and an interest to move into packaging. We are offering the opportunity for you to complete a packaging apprenticeship course that you will do alongside your Packaging Technologist position. This is due to start in January 2025 and is fully funded by Pineapple. Read about the course here: Link

Some of the responsibilities

• Develop new cost-efficient packaging solutions across our product ranges in response to project briefs.
• Ensure that packaging materials meet set requirements and specifications.
• Develop and champion our sustainable packaging strategy.
• Research new packaging materials and produce samples to test different materials and designs.
• Liaise with marketing, purchasing and production teams as required.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality and practicality.
• Run trials to check packaging for suitability and testing for performance under various conditions.
• Control production and quality standards, including reporting packaging that doesn't meet these standards.
• Evaluate, select and negotiate with suppliers.

Requirements

• You must have a formal education in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, or the equivalent experience developing packaging.
• Or come from a graphic or product design background and have an interest to move into packaging.
• Open to discussing the potential of completing a Packaging apprenticeship scheme.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a variety of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and industry trends - desirable.
• Experience in Autodesk Revit to support in the development of packaging artwork - desirable.
• Excellent Administrative skills with competent use of Microsoft Office and Adobe suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You embody our company people values:
• Teamwork - Collaborate effectively with humility, appreciating and integrating individual skills and perspectives to achieve collective goals.
• Committed - Dedicate yourself fully to your role, going above and beyond with self-motivation and loyalty to achieve individual, team, and company goals.
• Ownership - Take full responsibility for your work, performance, and conduct, acting with integrity, staying organised, and learning from feedback and mistakes.
• Positive - Approach tasks with optimism and innovation, viewing challenges as opportunities, and bringing energy and enthusiasm to inspire and motivate others.
• Responsive - React quickly and effectively to needs and feedback, prioritising tasks with urgency, embracing change, and maintaining a proactive approach.

Why work for us

Pineapple is a leader in designing and manufacturing innovative furniture solutions for challenging environments. A family run company started in 1975, Pineapple is now a global business with headquarters in Kent (UK) and offices in France, Germany and the USA.

Pineapple still runs by its original ethos of creating mindfully designed furniture that not only works effortlessly and looks great but also helps foster a calm and supportive environment. Join Pineapple and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through quality, innovation, sustainability and exceptional customer care.

Benefits

What we offer you

• Proudly featured in The Sunday Times as one of the Best Places to Work 2024
• Competitive pay
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan – You can claim for medical expenses, dentist or optical services, as well as access to 100s of deals and discounts
• 23 days annual leave + UK bank holidays
• Extra day’s leave for your birthday
• Workplace nursery scheme
• On joining we'll plant a tree in your honour
• Regular team socials and events
• Monthly pizza Friday
• Fruit and snacks are provided daily
• Employee referrals bonus scheme
• Company volunteering day
• High quality office environment
• Sustainability focused business
• Free onsite parking / walking distance from train station

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Agencies we know where you are if we need any support, thank you for your interest in working with Pineapple.