Location
Home based with regular travel to Central London, Brussels, and other locations in the UK and Europe.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£38,000 per annum

About the Role
The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is seeking a Sustainable Packaging Manager to shape and influence UK and EU legislation, standards, and sustainability initiatives affecting fibre-based packaging. This role involves monitoring policy developments, analysing industry impacts, preparing position papers and consultation responses, and providing guidance to members on environmental matters. You will represent CPI at government, regulatory, and industry forums, support senior CPI committees, and engage with members, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote evidence-based, sustainable practices. Strong communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams. The role advocates for the environmental and economic value of fibre-based packaging within a fast-moving policy environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor and critically analyse UK and EU policy developments affecting the fibre-based packaging sector, including environmental regulations, collection and packaging reforms, food contact materials, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
- Assess and analyse the impact of current and emerging reforms on the packaging sector and prepare position papers, consultation responses, and briefings.
- Provide analytical oversight on sustainability issues, contributing to relevant committees.
- Support the development and revision of standards relevant to fibre-based packaging products.
- Provide secretariat support to CPI committees, including the Corrugated Council and Packaging Regulatory Committee, coordinating meetings, papers, and follow-up actions.
- Represent CPI and its members at government and industry fora in the UK and EU, including participation in relevant Cepi and FEFCO committees.
- Engage proactively with members to ensure CPI services meet their needs and to attract new member organisations.
- Collaborate and build effective relationships with CPI colleagues, external partners, policymakers, and industry bodies to influence balanced and evidence-based legislation.
- Support CPI communications and events to promote the sustainability and value of fibre-based packaging.

Experience
- Educated to degree level; postgraduate qualification in sustainability, policy, or a related field is desirable.
- Proven experience working within a regulatory framework.
- Strong understanding of environmental, waste, packaging, and sustainability legislation.
- Experience analysing policy, drafting consultation responses, and developing industry positions on complex regulatory issues.
- Preferred experience engaging with government departments (e.g. Defra) and/or regulators (e.g. Environment Agency).
- Preferred experience supporting boards, committees, or member councils, including preparing agendas, papers, and coordinating meetings.
- Proven ability to represent an organisation effectively at external meetings, conferences, or public fora.
- Track record of building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.

About you
- Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation—with the ability to convey complex technical and policy issues clearly.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and attention to detail.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving policy environment.
- Skilled at building consensus among varied stakeholders.
- Confident, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
- Commercially aware and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for members and the wider industry.

Qualifications
- Degree level education is required.
- Postgraduate qualification in sustainability, policy, or related field is desirable.

Personal Qualities
- Professional, disciplined, and motivated with a positive, solutions-focused attitude.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to embrace change and identify opportunities for innovation.
- Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and a commitment to CPI’s values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.