Packaging Manager Review

Specifying packaging materials for own brand products, improving recyclability, increasing recycled content and reducing overall environmental impact of materials. I provide guidance and support to product developers, technical managers and buyers on the sustainability aspects of packaging materials for our own brand products, engage with external stakeholders such as NGOs, quangos and government departments.

I have developed an understanding of the differences between leadership and management, and when it is appropriate to use leadership over other forms of organising such as group work, management, autonomy and peer influencing. I have developed an understanding of blue ocean strategy, transilience mapping, closed versus open innovation models, and the processes of strategic commercial management.

The opportunity to learn on the job has been very enjoyable. Some units are more within my sphere of interest than others, but all have offered an opportunity to apply academic models to real life practice and to build reflexive practice papers so that my job contributes to my degree and vice versa.

The programme is structured into 8 units looking at individual elements of management practice. 6 of these are specified and 2 are elective. On top of thsi there is an integrated development project consisting of a personal development plan and a work based project. At the end of the programme I will have an end point assessment with the chartered management institute. It is thus very structured.

I am given the autonomy to work on my apprenticeship and manage my own workload. This has been challenging when there have been periods of high workload or when I have had to cover for other roles in addition to my own. The financial support in applying for the apprenticeship has been of great value.

We have online learning modules on blackboard, plus online tutorials and a face to face workshop for each module. There is an opportunity to email drafts of work and ask questions of the lecturers on the programme, plus we have a dedicated tutor who provides guidance on compiling our portfolio of evidence, supports with understand Hogan assessments etc.

The elements that are directly relevant to my current role such as reflexive leadership and innovation and entrepreneurship allow me to perform better in that role, giving me the opportunity to demonstrate learning through work projects and improving the work I do through the use of academic models at work. Other units are less relevant to my current role but are preparing me for future leadership opportunities.

Yes, as a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, I have the opportunity to get involved in the North of England Packaging Society. I've also delivered lectures to partner organisations such as the Cambridge Institution of Engineering and Technology. As a team we also do sponsored walks etc.

Yes

If you want to work for a member owned organisation that seeks to make a difference to wider society, offers opportunities for learning and development, and is true to its values and principles, then I would highly recommend working at the Co-op. You need to be unafraid of hard work and be prepared to be challenged.

You need to think about specific examples of where you have exhibited the Co-op behaviours that we look for in our colleagues. These are championing our Co-op, co-operation, developing others, driving innovation, endless inclusion, forging relationships, being future focused, being an inspirational communicator, personal growth, speaking up, successful transformation, and having vision and belief.