Job Description:
Packaging Compliance Technologist (FTC 18 Months)
Location: Slough, UK (Hybrid Working)
Segment / Business Unit: Mars Drinks Treats (DT)
Function: Research Development (RD) – 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 dynamicMars Drinks Treats (DT) RD team as aPackaging Compliance Technologist on an18-month fixed-term contract. In this critical technical role, you will champion packaging safety, sustainability governance, and legal compliance across DT’s diverse product portfolio (spanning drinks, treats, desserts, and snacking).
You will take direct ownership ofPackaging Risk Assessments (PRAs) and support compliance readiness for key European and global packaging legislation, specifically the upcomingEU 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 inPackaging Technology, Materials Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
Experience Technical Knowledge:
Consistent experience inpackaging development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or technical RD 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, includingPPWR (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:
Strongquality mindset aligned withThe 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 RD stakeholders.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

Deliver Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs): Lead and deliver robust Packaging Risk Assessments across the entire DT 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 thePackaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), including recyclability criteria, recycled content tracking, and packaging minimization targets across DT 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 RD team.
Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline packaging compliance processes, data capture systems, and risk-assessment turnaround times within DT.
Team Collaboration Knowledge Sharing: Support the wider DT Packaging RD 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 Formhere.
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