Packaging & Compliance Manager

We're looking for a Packaging & Compliance Manager to lead our global packaging strategy, drive best-in-class compliance and governance, and shape the future of packaging across our business. This is a strategically important role that sits at the intersection of packaging development, sustainability, legislation, and commercial performance. You'll lead a team of packaging technologists, work with cross-functional stakeholders across the business, and ensure our packaging solutions remain innovative, compliant, commercially competitive, and fit for the future.

About En Route:

En Route International is a global business operating as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers. With teams across the UK, USA, Australia and the UAE, we design and deliver premium baked goods, meals and snacks for the travel industry - bringing together world‑class manufacturing partners, smart product customisation, and a complex, high‑precision supply chain.

What you’ll be doing:

As Packaging & Compliance Manager, you will…

Drive Packaging Strategy & Innovation

• Lead the development and execution of our global packaging strategy.
• Deliver packaging solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, customer expectations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion packaging innovation by identifying new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques that improve performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Support business growth through the development of innovative, scalable packaging solutions.

Lead Packaging Compliance & Governance

• Own all packaging compliance activities, ensuring adherence to UK, EU, and international regulations.
• Keep the business ahead of emerging legislation, including:
• PPWR
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• Plastic Packaging Tax
• EUDR
• Other evolving global packaging regulations
• Establish and maintain robust governance processes for packaging specifications, supplier data, and compliance documentation.
• Develop reporting systems and processes to capture packaging composition, recycled content, carbon data, and regulatory metrics.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner with Procurement, Category Development, Technical, Commercial, Creative Services, ESG, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated packaging solutions.
• Provide technical leadership throughout product development projects.
• Support customer presentations, tenders, and packaging workshops with expert packaging knowledge.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Technologists.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Act as the business's subject matter expert on packaging legislation and compliance.

Required Experience:

• Significant experience within packaging development in food manufacturing, FMCG, airline catering, or a related sector.
• Proven experience managing packaging compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrable success leading packaging or technical teams.
• Strong supplier management and project delivery experience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Procurement, Technical, ESG, Commercial, and Category teams.

Knowledge & Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and packaging technologies.
• Strong understanding of UK, EU, and global packaging legislation.
• Experience developing compliance frameworks, governance processes, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of recyclability, recycled content, lifecycle assessment, and circular economy principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.

Qualifications:

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Packaging Technology, Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of packaging within a growing, international business. You'll have the autonomy to influence strategy, lead innovation, drive sustainability initiatives, and ensure regulatory excellence across a global packaging portfolio.

If you're ready to take ownership of a high-impact role and help define the next generation of packaging solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know – we’re here to help!

Regrettably, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data you share with us during the application process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.