10 replies to this topic

[Puzzle]

One of those odd phone conversations last night, with a chap from a recruitment agency. I have dealt with this chap for many years, yet he has never actually placed me!! Strange for his industry he is absolutely 'straight' and very honest. Yes, hard to believe.

Any road up, he has a QM job at a packaging company come onto his books, and he feels I would be ideally suited.

As far as I can tell their products are for food products.

Now this is into 'your' speciality. Having hung around here and followed your discussions I feel I have a good grasp of what would be required. However any help in 'research would be appreciated.

Not sure I would actually take the job at this moment as many promising things are happening here, but they are part of a big group with their own potential developments.

Over to you lot.

[Puzzle]

Things have moved on, and I have an interview early next week!!

[Simon]

Hi Puzzle,

As well as most of the ‘challenges' you face in your current role, there will likely be additional regulatory requirements and standards that you will have responsibility for in the packaging job. How much depends whether they are a food packaging manufacturer. That said most packaging manufacturers provide packaging to a broad range of industries e.g. consumer goods, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals etc. and you have to comply with all of their specific requirements.

You can expect to be working with HACCP based systems, GMP, and maybe The BRC/IOP Packaging Standard. On the legal side The Packaging Waste Regulations and maybe Direct Food Contact legislation will apply. I'm sure you'd manage the transition and we can help you with all the technical stuff.

It's difficult to give you advice without knowing much about your current role or the new job. I'd definitely go for the interview though, nothing to lose.

Good luck mate.

Regards,
Simon

[Charles.C]

Dear Puzzle,

Maybe you have had the interview already in which case this post may be redundant. Either way good luck! Other people (packaging) in this forum are probably much better at making direct suggestions than me (a food person) but in lieu of other posts I can offer some experience if maybe not very theoretical.

I recall you previously stated yr current position / background outside food packaging (excuse ignorance of details). The answer will obviously have much bearing on degree of change. I was trained in chemistry / high vacuum technology and ended up in seafood (so far). The last certainly made the most transition demands in knowledge base but it all depends on what you are expected to be responsible for. (for example is the packaging topic you are heading into involving you in responsibility for significant environmental microbiological decisions, this represented another world in my experience etc etc)
What kind of target food (eg more sensitive products like RTE cooked foods, shelf stable or what?). It's a bit different being thrown in at some of the sharper ends.
Extent of existing team (man and a boy) ? Existing Q.facilities ? I had to develop a HACCP system from ground up and I'm not sure I would like to do it again. Should always be easier to have a start, as I am now finding for BRC. (Unless you adore challenges).
Food and food packaging certainly offers an amazing range of diversities if that's what you like although some operations are certainly much wider (and technology based) than others.

Just some thoughts

Regards
Charles.C

[Simon]

Hi Puzzle / Charles,

You may notice a reply of mine above now. I posted it in the wrong thread and have just moved it into here.

Anyway I hope we've not missed your interview and good luck.

BTW thanks for chipping in Charles.

Regards,
Simon

[Puzzle]

Interview was this morning

The company are BRC/IOP, 9K2K.

Very good expansion/growth each year, part of a good group etc.

Not sure if I would want it if offered, or got to second interview.

Will mull it over.

But thanks for the insight. Pretty much as I had hoped and expected.

[Charles Chew]

Hi Puzzle,

Sorry I did not get to chip in my moral support earlier but if you do intend to go for the 2nd interview and gunning for the job, you will get no less support from me on anything technical.

All the best,

Charles Chew

[Puzzle]

Apparently the interview went well

However my usual contact at the agency is on holiday and the young lady who is 'deputy' is a touch pushy and acts a bit 'blonde'.

Will be at least another 3 weeks before any more news as the main man at the company is on holiday now.

[Simon]

What was the outcome Puzzle?

Regards,
Simon

[Puzzle]

Silence, as expected :D

I'm too stuck in automotive, housewares, electronics, etc to start getting into packaging bits and bobs

[Simon]

If it's meant to be it's meant to be, and if it's not its snot.

Regards,
Simon