Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet 

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.  

You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together. 

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.  

Your opportunity

We have an exciting opening at Huhtamaki for a HR Manager to join our team in Belfast, where you will lead a dedicated HR team and play a key role in shaping the people strategy for our UK & Ireland Foodservice Market Unit. Reporting to the Head of HR for the UK & Ireland Foodservice Market Unit, with a dotted line to the Site Manufacturing Manager, you will partner with local management to drive progress against business objectives and key performance indicators.

Where you’ll be

Huhtamaki Belfast, Northern Ireland.

You will work closely with the local management team and provide HR leadership across the Belfast site.

What you'll be doing

Acts as a Strategic HR Business Partner for the business to ensure plant goals and objective are achieved.

Providing HR strategy & planning, organizational effectiveness and leadership development
Leadership and strategic insight to the leadership team on both business and HR matters.

Operational HR management

Responsible for overseeing HR team members in Belfast and providing overall HR management responsibility, including, but not limited to:

Recruitment across all organisational levels, implementing recruitment guidelines and managing recruitment partners.
Onboarding and induction procedures.
Local compensation and benefits process (including pay review, Incentive planning and payout).
Advise managers on employee and labour relations, supporting senior leaders on labour and union matters.
Ensure compliance with employment legislation, company policies and procedures, including customer audits.

HR Development and Processes

Directs the annual performance management and salary review processes for the plant.
Drive supervisor and manager training in performance management, compensation, benefits, employee/labour relations, and leadership; coordinate national training on core competencies.
Partner with our Training Specialist to identify and address capability gaps.
Oversee talent development and succession planning
Implement global and national HR policies and programs
Own all strategic HR initiatives for the Belfast site

HR Leadership and Advisory

Directs, advises and counsels managers and their direct reports concerning policies and procedures, organisational structure, and business unit goals and objectives;
Directs HR team to ensure consistent and effective HR support to all employees of the plant (including performance management, employee relations, policy and procedures).

HR Planning and Organizational Review

Align HR plans with business needs and adapt to organizational change
Ensure organizational structure supports strategic goals; manage change as needed
Keep job descriptions current and relevant with managers
Oversee headcount budgeting and planning for the plant.

What you’ll bring to the role

At least 3 years’ experience managing a busy HR department, preferably in a multi-site manufacturing environment
CIPD (Level 5) or above (required); degree educated in a related discipline (preferred)
Proven experience partnering with and advising a Senior Management Team.
Broad HR generalist and operational experience, with a strong understanding of Northern Ireland employment law.
Experience negotiating with external stakeholders, work councils and/or trade unions.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver practical, commercially focused HR solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems; Workday experience desirable.
Ability to build strong relationships and credibility at all levels of the organisation.
Proven leadership, team-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently.
Proactive, pragmatic and results-driven, with strong interpersonal skills, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Commercial awareness and a focus on supporting operational performance and business objectives.

What we offer in return

A meaningful job in a global company: At Huhtamaki, we believe in protecting food, people and the planet. Our innovative and transformative solutions touch the daily lives of people everywhere. 
Development opportunities: We care for each other – and want our talent to thrive and develop.
Responsible employer: Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We believe diverse teams fuel innovation. We invest in fostering an environment where everyone is safe both psychologically and physically and where diversity and inclusion are promoted through day-to-day behaviours, which are reinforced by our policies and practices.

Join us. Help protect food, people and theplanet.

About the company

Huhtamaki provides sustainable packaging solutions for food, beverages and personal care products around the world. Its products protect contents on-the-go and on-shelf, helping maintain hygiene and safety while aiming to improve accessibility and affordability and to reduce food waste. The company operates in 36 countries with about 18,000 professionals and has a Nordic heritage built on a long history. Its approach centers on embedding sustainability in all activities, guided by the values Care, Dare, Deliver. Huhtamaki’s goal is to protect food, people and the planet through responsible packaging and a strong global footprint.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Hämeenlinna, Finland

Founded

1920

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Q2 2026 comparable sales grew 2%, driven by Flexible and Fiber Packaging.
Hesburger's 41,000-kilogram plastic reduction deal expands Huhtamaki's fiber foodservice foothold.
Huhtamaki kept its full-year outlook stable after strong H1 profitability and cash flow.

What critics are saying

North America sales fell 10% in Q2 2026, with plant issues hurting cash flow.
Operational challenges at Hammond and Paris expansions already forced 140 North American cuts.
A sustained North America slide threatens Huhtamaki's 5-6% growth ambition and earnings quality.

What makes Huhtamaki unique

Huhtamaki's Q2 2026 adjusted EBIT margin hit 10.3% despite currency headwinds.
Fiber Packaging delivered 15.3% Q2 margin and surpassed EUR 100 million quarterly sales.
Thomas Morin joined September 1, 2026, strengthening fiber packaging leadership after TC Transcontinental.

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Benefits

Company News

Cision

Oct 16th, 2026

Huhtamaki extends $508.5M sustainability-linked credit facility by one year to 2031

Huhtamaki has extended the maturity of its €450 million sustainability-linked syndicated revolving credit facility by one year, using the extension option in the loan agreement. The new termination date is November 7, 2031. The Finnish packaging group said it will use the facility for general corporate purposes. Huhtamaki employs about 17,400 people in 35 countries. Its net sales in 2025 totalled €4.0 billion.

Akvaprofit

Oct 7th, 2026

Huhtamaki introduces blueloop: A new era of recyclable Flexible Packaging.

Huhtamaki introduces blueloop: A new era of recyclable Flexible Packaging. Date of publication: October 7, 2026 Huhtamaki, a global leader in food and drink packaging, has launched its innovative blueloop range, which features recyclable flexible packaging made from mono-materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and paper. This new offering targets various fast-moving consumer goods, including coffee, snacks, and personal care products, and aims to replace traditional plastic packaging with more sustainable alternatives. The blueloop initiative aligns with the growing shift towards a circular economy in packaging, where materials are designed for reuse and recycling, driven by consumer demand, regulatory changes, and corporate sustainability goals. Olli Koponen, Executive Vice President of Flexible Packaging at Huhtamaki, emphasized the company's commitment to providing recyclable solutions across all product categories, with plans to expand offerings for more complex applications in the near future. Michael Hahl, Sustainability and Strategic Innovation Director at Huhtamaki, noted that blueloop serves not only as a product line but also as a platform for learning and development. The initiative fosters collaboration across the supply chain, engaging resin providers, customers, and recyclers to enhance product design and manufacturing processes while addressing the full lifecycle of packaging materials. Additionally, Huhtamaki advocates for improved visibility of recycling information on packaging, which can assist consumers in making informed choices and enhance brand differentiation in a competitive market. The blueloop range represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable packaging solutions, reinforcing Huhtamaki's position at the forefront of industry innovation.

Food Infotech

Sep 11th, 2026

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market to reach $10.82 billion by 2031: MarketsandMarkets report.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market to reach $10.82 billion by 2031: MarketsandMarkets report. By Prakash Mishra September 11, 2026 7 Mins Read According to MarketsandMarkets(TM), the Moulded Pulp Packaging Market is projected to grow from USD 8.02 billion in 2026 to USD 10.82 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Browse 394 market data tables and 56 figures spread across 335 pages and an in-depth TOC on "Moulded Pulp Packaging Market - Global Forecast to 2031". Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Size & forecast: * Market Size Available for Years: 2022-2031 * 2026 Market Size: USD 8.02 billion * 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 10.82 billion * CAGR (2026-2031): 6.2% Moulded Pulp Packaging Market trends & insights: * The growth of e-commerce at the same time is fuelling the need for protective moulded pulp inserts and cushioning for fragile products. The ability to mould, dry, and develop barrier technologies is creating lighter, stronger, more accurate, and better products. Better recycling of paper and agricultural fibres is also helping to provide materials and innovations. Moreover, the brands are implementing fibre packaging due to the corporate sustainability agenda and shifting consumer preferences, which has been generating new opportunities for moulded pulp packaging manufacturers. * Asia Pacific's moulded pulp packaging market is expected to dominate, with a share of 42.8% in 2025. * By source, the wood pulp segment is expected to be the leading segment in terms of value. * By mould type, the transfer-moulded segment is expected to be the leading segment in terms of value. * By product, the trays segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of value. * By end-use industry, the food packaging segment is expected to be the leading segment in terms of value. Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland), Hartmann Packaging A/S (Denmark), CKF Inc. (Canada), Novolex (US), and Sabert Corporation (US) were identified as star players in the moulded pulp packaging market. These companies maintain strong market positions through established manufacturing capabilities, extensive product portfolios, broad geographic presence, and strong relationships with customers across food, foodservice, consumer goods, and other end-use industries. Rypax, Green Valley Packaging, Bonitopak, Maspack Limited, and others have distinguished themselves among startups and SMEs. These companies are gaining traction through specialised moulded fibre solutions, customised packaging designs, sustainable material use, and technological capabilities. The moulded pulp packaging industry is expected to grow due to the rise in the adoption of recycled and biodegradable packaging materials over plastic and foam packaging, driven by the rising awareness of the environment and plastic reduction campaigns. The use of moulded pulp products is growing with the increase in demand from food, foodservice, e-commerce, electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods. Expanding takeaway, food delivery, and online sales are creating new opportunities for trays, containers, clamshells, and protective packaging. By source, the non-wood pulp segment accounted for the second-largest market share in 2025. By source, the non-wood pulp segment recorded the second-highest market share in 2025, due to rising demand for alternative fibre sources. Agricultural waste like bagasse, wheat straw, bamboo, and rice straw is also available as raw materials for moulded pulp. As there is an increased interest in the use of renewable and locally available fibres, they are promoted. The segment is also gaining from the initiatives to minimise reliance on traditional wood-based raw materials. By moulded type, the thermoformed fibre segment accounted for the second-largest market share in 2025. The thermoformed fibre had the second-largest market share because it can create packages that are shaped, smooth, and dimensionally consistent. This process is appropriate for those applications that call for a better finish and appearance. This versatility in packaging customisation makes it suitable for electronics, food, cosmetic, and consumer goods. The segment is further supported by growing demand for premium and application-specific moulded fibre packaging. Byproduct, the clamshells segment accounted for the second-largest market share in 2025. Byproduct, the clamshells segment recorded the second-highest market share in 2025, due to rising demand for packaging that offers product protection and convenience. The moulded pulp clamshells can be made with a secure closure and a customised cavity for the product to be used during transport and on display. They can be used for food, consumer goods, electronics, and other retail products. By end-use industry, the foodservice packaging segment accounted for the second-largest share of the moulded pulp packaging market in 2025. By end-use industry, foodservice packaging was the second-largest market share in 2025, as disposable packaging for takeaway, delivery, and ready-to-eat food is gaining traction in the segment. Moulded pulp is being used more for plates, bowls, trays, containers, and other formats in the food service industry. It is recyclable and made from fibre, which makes it an appealing material for use in packaging. Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the moulded pulp packaging market in 2025. Europe accounted for the second-highest market share in 2025, bolstered by high sustainability awareness and demand for recyclable packaging. Plastic reduction regulations have driven the adoption of plastic-to-fibre conversion by businesses for food, foodservice, and consumer applications. Businesses are converting plastic to fibre in food, foodservice, and consumer applications due to plastic reduction regulations. Key players. The moulded pulp packaging companies include Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland), Hartmann Packaging A/S (Denmark), CKF Inc. (Canada), Novolex (US), and Sabert Corporation (US). Partnerships, acquisitions, and expansions are major strategies these key players adopt to enhance their positions in the moulded pulp packaging market. Investment and funding. The moulded pulp packaging market has witnessed selective but increasing investment activity, reflecting growing investor interest in sustainable packaging, production capacity expansion, and fiber-based packaging technologies. The market recorded 3 investment deals in 2021 and five in 2025, indicating an increase in deal activity toward the end of the period. Total funding rose from USD 12.9 million in 2023 to USD 38.8 million in 2025, supported by higher investment in manufacturing expansion, product innovation, and sustainable moulded fibre solutions. The increase in both deal volume and funding highlights growing investor confidence in moulded pulp packaging and its potential to replace conventional plastic and foam packaging. Revenue shift. The moulded pulp packaging market is witnessing a gradual shift toward sustainable, recyclable, and high-performance packaging solutions, driven by increasing demand for fibre-based alternatives across key end-use industries. Wood pulp by source accounted for over 77.8% of the global moulded pulp packaging market in 2025, supported by its consistent fibre quality, availability, strength, and suitability for producing a wide range of moulded packaging products. Mergers and acquisitions. Mergers and acquisitions in the moulded pulp packaging market have been driven by the need to strengthen moulded fibre packaging portfolios, expand production capacity, and enhance geographic presence. Recent transactions include Novolex's combination with Pactiv Evergreen to create a broader packaging platform and Hartmann Packaging A/S's agreement to acquire SC Dentas Romania SRL to strengthen its fibre packaging capacity and expand its European footprint. These transactions are also aimed at broadening product offerings, improving manufacturing capabilities, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions. Latest packaging industry reports: Paper Straw Market by Type (Flexible, Non-flexible), Material Type (Virgin paper, Recycled paper), Product Type (Printed, Non-printed), Straw Length, Straw Diameter, End-use Application (Foodservice, Household), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Barrier Films Market by Materials (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PET), Polyamide, Organic Coatings, Inorganic Oxide Coatings), Packaging Type (Pouches, Bags, Blister Packs), End-use, Type and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Polyester Film Market by Type (biaxially orientated, thermal film, metalised film, holographic film, UV stabilised, matte film, barrier film), Application (packaging, electrical insulation, imaging), End Use Industry, and Region - Global forecast to 2028 Medical Packaging Films Market by Material (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyamide), Type (Thermoformable Film, High Barrier Film, Metallised Film), Application (Bags, Tubes), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Trash Bags Market by Type (Star Sealed, Drawstring), Material (HDPE, LDPE, Biodegradable PE), End-Use (Retail, Institutional, Industrial), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, E-Commerce), & Region-Global Forecast to 2028

Polymerupdate

Sep 10th, 2026

Huhtamaki: Ralf K. Wunderlich recognized as CEO of the Year in the Sustainable Packaging Industry.

Huhtamaki: Ralf K. Wunderlich recognized as CEO of the Year in the Sustainable Packaging Industry. 10 Sep 2026 Ralf K. Wunderlich, President and CEO of Huhtamaki, has been named CEO of the Year 2026 in the Sustainable Packaging Industry by European CEO as part of its European CEO Awards 2026. The recognition acknowledges leadership in advancing sustainable packaging and driving progress across the industry. The award recognizes Huhtamaki's role in advancing packaging innovation and developing solutions that help customers meet evolving market, consumer and regulatory needs. Under Ralf's leadership, Huhtamaki has evolved its operating model by strengthening accountability and empowering teams closer to customers, enabling faster decision-making and sharper execution while continuing to advance innovation across its packaging portfolio. "I am grateful for this recognition, but it really reflects the work of our teams around the world. Every day, our people help customers succeed by developing packaging solutions that combine performance, innovation and sustainability. Their expertise, commitment and accountability are what drive our progress and help our customers succeed every day", says Ralf K. Wunderlich. Huhtamaki works closely with customers to develop packaging solutions that address their business needs and in the future. By combining material expertise, innovation and global scale, the company helps customers deliver safe, convenient and increasingly sustainable products to consumers around the world.

Yahoo Finance

Jul 23rd, 2026

Huhtamäki delivers 2% comparable sales growth and strong profitability in Q2 2026

Huhtamäki Oyj reported comparable net sales growth of 2% in Q2 2026, with net sales remaining flat at EUR 1,009.0 million compared to the previous year. The Finnish packaging company's adjusted EBIT reached EUR 103.7 million, up slightly from EUR 103.1 million in Q2 2025. For the first half of 2026, net sales decreased 3% to EUR 1,955.8 million, whilst comparable net sales growth stood at 1%. Adjusted EBIT for H1 was EUR 198.2 million, down from EUR 201.5 million. Currency movements impacted the company significantly, reducing H1 net sales by EUR 77.8 million and EBIT by EUR 6.4 million. Reported earnings per share for H1 2026 was EUR 0.89, up from EUR 0.74 the previous year.

Huhtamaki

HR Manager

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