Packaging Compliance Technologist (FTC 18 Months)

Location: Slough, UK (Hybrid Working)

Segment / Business Unit: Mars Drinks & Treats (D&T)

Function: Research & Development (R&D) – Packaging

Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

Salary: £36,000 – £42,000 (depending on experience) + Annual Bonus & Mars Comprehensive Benefits

Role Overview

Join the dynamic Mars Drinks & Treats (D&T) R&D team as a Packaging Compliance Technologist on an 18-month fixed-term contract. In this critical technical role, you will champion packaging safety, sustainability governance, and legal compliance across D&T’s diverse product portfolio (spanning drinks, treats, desserts, and snacking).

You will take direct ownership of Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs) and support compliance readiness for key European and global packaging legislation, specifically the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Collaborating closely with external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and cross-functional teams, you will ensure all primary packaging formats (flexibles, rigids, paperboard, foils) strictly adhere to food contact safety laws, quality standards, and recyclability mandates.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience & Technical Knowledge:

  • Consistent experience in packaging development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or technical R&D within the FMCG / Food & Beverage industry.

  • Solid understanding of packaging materials and formats (flexible films, rigid plastics, paperboard, laminates).

  • Knowledge of packaging sustainability and regulatory landscapes, including PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) requirements, recyclability design, and food contact legislation.

  • Familiarity with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS / GFSI).

  • Prior experience working within a food manufacturing or external manufacturing / co-man setup is highly desirable.

• Skills & Mindset:

  • Strong quality mindset aligned with The Five Principles of Mars.

  • High attention to detail with strong data management, documentation, and technical reporting skills.

  • Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with packaging converters, material suppliers, and internal R&D stakeholders.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

• Deliver Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs): Lead and deliver robust Packaging Risk Assessments across the entire D&T portfolio covering primary packaging types (flexibles, rigids, paper, barrier materials) to a high standard and within agreed timelines.

• Support PPWR & Sustainability Compliance: Support the assessment, data gathering, and compliance readiness for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), including recyclability criteria, recycled content tracking, and packaging minimization targets across D&T formats.

• Supplier Interface & Documentation: Act as the primary technical contact with packaging suppliers to secure specifications, Declarations of Compliance (DoCs), migration test reports, recyclability assessments, and PPWR technical dossiers.

• Tracking & Governance Reporting: Track, manage, and regularly report the status of compliance workstreams, risk assessments, and PPWR milestones to the Line Manager and broader R&D team.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline packaging compliance processes, data capture systems, and risk-assessment turnaround times within D&T.

• Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Support the wider D&T Packaging & R&D team as a reliable peer and backup, building and sharing best-practice expertise in packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site: https://careers.mars.com/global/en

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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