Employee ownership is fuelling rapid growth and new career opportunities at Kite Packaging, one of the UK’s leading packaging distributors.
Between 2020 and 2025, Kite’s revenue increased by 55%, averaging 12.3% annually and far outpacing the sector. To build on this momentum, the company has launched a major recruitment drive seeking ambitious individuals at all career stages, from seasoned packaging experts to those new to the industry. For candidates, this is a unique opportunity to build a long-term career where hard work contributes directly to personal and business growth.
Since being established in 2001 as an employee share-owned business, Kite’s people-first approach has fuelled consistent growth. Wealth created through exceptional service is shared among those who help generate it, motivating employees to invest their best efforts into running and expanding the business.
Once a disruptive newcomer, Kite is now an industry-leading force, with accolades such as UK Packaging of the Year (2023), Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year (2024), and Sunday Times Profit 100 Business under its belt.
Behind this success is the continuous learning and training on offer to employees. The packaging distributor runs regular career development sessions for existing staff, while attracting fresh talent through its early-career training programmes:
- Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme
- Graduate Management Programme
- Field Sales Academy
- Telesales Academy
These are designed around live projects. Currently, 41 employees are enrolled in these training programmes, with 11 previous participants having progressed into management and specialist roles. In fact, 94% of Kite’s senior managers have been promoted internally, and 25% are under 35, demonstrating the company’s strong progression model which follows contribution rather than tenure.
Recent success stories include a business development manager who joined through the Field Sales Academy, is now leading one of Kite’s Specialist Division. A graduate scheme alumnus has advanced to commercial manager at Kite’s Portsmouth RDC, while another employee has progressed to a senior management role just three years after joining the packaging company. At Kite, recognition follows contribution rather than tenure.
“We’re continuing to create opportunities for people to grow faster and further than they might elsewhere,” said Gavin Ashe, Managing Director at Kite Packaging.
“Kite is a team where you get the support and training you need to progress in your career. What this means for our customers is that we’ve always got a pipeline of talent with the right skills to solve their problems today and tomorrow.”
Benefits of working at Kite Packaging:
Employees enjoy a package of benefits designed to support their wellbeing and long-term careers, including:
- Shareholder status via Kite’s Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
- Generous pension scheme: 3.5% employee contribution, 5.5% Kite contribution
- Life assurance (2x salary) and a cash health plan for everyday medical expenses
- 22 days annual leave, increasing to 25 with service, including the option to buy or sell 3 days
- Additional lifestyle and family benefits such as cycle-to-work, childcare vouchers and charitable giving
- Continuous training prospects
Current opportunities at Kite Packaging:
- Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme
- Graduate Management Programme
- Business Development Manager Programme
- Telesales Academy
- Class 2 (Cat C) Truck Driver
The company also welcomes approaches from experienced individuals whose skills may not fit existing vacancies, with a view to creating roles that align with Kite’s needs and individual potential. If you’re interested, contact Kite Packaging at joinus@kitepackaging.co.uk or on 02477 299523 to get the conversation started.
Ambitious persons who want to build a career with the employee-owned packaging company can explore all opportunities on the current vacancies page.