itsu is the Asian-inspired quick service & grocery brand with a compelling vision and global opportunity.

Founded in 1997, itsu is the result of 20 years of innovation across 70+ busy sites.

Itsu [grocery] offers exciting and enticing high-quality Asian-inspired foods [online and in supermarkets] and has quickly become one of the leading brands in that specific group. Yet, it is still the beginning and the business has huge global ambitions.

scope of the role

itsu [grocery] is looking for a Senior Packaging Technologist to join our Product team. The successful candidate will be our first Packaging Technologist and will be key in defining the packaging & sustainability strategy for itsu [grocery]

• Manages all aspects of our packaging – form and function through to leading the associated change projects to launch.
• Ensures our packaging complies with legislation, is safe to use and has the correct functionality to deliver a safe undamaged product to our consumers. Keeps upto date with potential or emerging risks in the industry.
• Leads our packaging sustainability agenda, keeping upto date with customer & consumer requirements, directing packaging requirements for NPD and proactively reviewing our existing portfolio to ID improvements.
• Maintains our packaging masterdata, collects specifications for all new packaging items and manages the approval process for both new packaging suppliers and packaging items.
• Delivers our PRN and Plastic Tax submissions on time and to a high level of accuracy. Considers future reporting/tax requirements (e.g. EPR) and ensures the business is ready to meet the associated deadlines.
• Supports the product team to create or select the correct packaging solutions required to deliver the innovation pipeline.
• Builds strong relationships with current and prospective suppliers, supporting and inputting to our sourcing strategies.
• Supports cross-functional cost-engineering reviews, and works closely with procurement to ensure our packaging is commercially efficient.

the ideal candidate

• Experienced packaging technologist from the food industry
• Good technical knowledge of packaging materials and print processes
• Working knowledge of packaging legislation (safety & sustainability) with a network/understanding of which industry bodies or consultants to turn to when required.
• Ability to work with a creative team, turning ideas into workable concepts
• Analytical and capable of managing lots of data
• Strong communication skills able to adapt to our international supplier base.
• Driven and ambitious, looking to work within a rapidly growing business that is constantly evolving, a flexible ‘hands on’ approach.

perks and benefits

• Competitive salary
• Competitive bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Health insurance
• Company pension scheme
• Hybrid working (2 days wfh)
• Opportunity to work from home abroad 
• 50% employee discount in itsu shops
• Free itsu lunch 
• Discounts at major retailers