Packaging Technologist

Packaging Technologist

LOCATION: Aylesford, Kent, Office based

WORKING HOURS: 8.00am – 4.30pm

CONTRACT: Full-time, Permanent

Join our Team

At Pineapple, we design specialist furniture for challenging environments, where safety, dignity and wellbeing matter.

We're looking for a Packaging Technologist to develop and improve packaging solutions that protect our products throughout storage, handling and transportation.

This is an opportunity to apply your packaging expertise across a varied product range, taking ideas from initial concept through to prototyping, testing and implementation. You'll work closely with NPD, Sustaining Engineering, Marketing, Purchasing and external suppliers to deliver packaging that is technically effective, cost-efficient and more sustainable.

If you enjoy solving practical packaging challenges and finding better ways to protect products while reducing material use, waste and cost, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and develop packaging solutions to meet product, protection, cost and transportation requirements.
• Select and evaluate packaging materials, considering performance, durability, sustainability and cost.
• Develop packaging specifications, prototypes and samples, coordinating trials to validate their performance.
• Identify opportunities to optimise packaging design, reduce material usage and minimise transit damage.
• Research new materials, technologies and packaging methods to support continuous improvement.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to develop, test and implement packaging solutions.
• Manage packaging quality standards, investigate issues and implement improvements where required.
• Support packaging artwork development and ensure specifications and requirements are met.
• Evaluate suppliers, review quotations and negotiate packaging solutions that offer value for money.
• Analyse results, maintain technical documentation and report on packaging performance and improvement projects.

What success looks like

You'll develop packaging solutions that protect our furniture throughout the supply chain, meet quality and sustainability objectives, and deliver measurable improvements in cost, material efficiency and packaging performance.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Previous experience in packaging technology, packaging engineering, packaging design or packaging development.
• A qualification in Packaging Technology, Packaging Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Good knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and packaging performance testing.
• Experience developing packaging solutions, producing specifications and coordinating trials.
• A practical, analytical approach to solving technical problems and improving packaging performance.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant CAD or packaging design software.

Benefits and Perks

Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:

• We’re proud to be recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years) – and we work hard to make sure our people genuinely feel it
• Competitive salary and a discretionary annual bonus
• 15 work from home days per year
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan – claim back medical, dental and optical costs
• Perks & rewards platform – access hundreds of deals and discounts
• Gym discounts through our perks platform
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support when you need it
• 23 days’ holiday plus UK bank holidays, increasing to 26 with length of service
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Loyalty reward for increasing years of service
• Death in service
• Learning & Development platform with online courses, certifications and professional development tools to support ur career growth
• Tree planted in your honour when you join – with trees already planted in the UK, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar
• Sustainability-focused business – committed to low-carbon operations, renewable energy and recycled materials
• Regular team socials and events, including summer and Christmas parties
• Christmas gift
• Monthly Pizza Friday
• Free fruit, snacks, hot drinks and cold beverages
• Refer a friend scheme – £250 reward
• EV car charging facilities
• High-quality, modern office environment
• Free onsite parking / within walking distance from the train station

About Pineapple

Pineapple is a global leader in designing innovative furniture for challenging environments. Founded in 1975 as a family-run business, we've grown into an international organisation with headquarters in Kent and offices in France, Germany and the USA.

With more than 200 employees worldwide, we're passionate about creating furniture that not only looks great and performs exceptionally but also helps create calm, safe and inspiring spaces for the people who use it.

We're proud to have been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Our Values

We're proud of the culture we've built and are looking for someone who shares our values:

Teamwork – We work collaboratively, supporting one another and recognising that the best results come from working together·

Committed – We take pride in what we do, showing dedication, reliability and a strong work ethic every day.

Ownership – We take responsibility for our work, act with integrity and continually look for ways to improve.

Positive – We approach challenges with optimism, enthusiasm and a solutions-focused mindset.

Responsive – We act quickly, communicate effectively and always strive to exceed customer expectations.

If you’re looking for a supportive, people-first workplace where you can grow your career and genuinely enjoy coming to work, you’ll feel right at home with us.

Diversity & Inclusion - Pineapple is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Recruitment agencies: Thank you for your interest in working with Pineapple. We will reach out directly if we require support.