At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic packaging procurement and develop category strategies for a leading food manufacturer.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking UK food manufacturer investing in its procurement future.
- Benefits: Strong salary, annual bonus, excellent benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with genuine long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while solving complex commercial challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement within food manufacturing or FMCG is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location
Cambridgeshire
Help shape the future of Packaging Procurement.
Some procurement roles are about maintaining the status quo.
This isn't one of them.
We're supporting a leading UK food manufacturer in appointing a
Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging to join a growing procurement function that's investing heavily in its future.
Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you'll become a key member of the senior team, helping shape category strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and influence the future direction of packaging procurement across a complex, multi-site manufacturing business.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building capability, challenging thinking and creating long-term value—not simply negotiating the next contract.
What you'll be doing
You'll take ownership of strategic packaging procurement activities across multiple manufacturing sites, developing category strategies that deliver commercial value whilst improving resilience, sustainability and supplier performance.
Working closely with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Finance and Innovation teams, you'll lead strategic sourcing projects, build strong supplier partnerships and support major procurement initiatives across the business.
You'll also play an important role in helping develop procurement capability and supporting the continued evolution of the function.
We'd love to hear from you if you have experience in
- Strategic procurement within food manufacturing or FMCG
- Food packaging procurement (flexible packaging, rigid plastics, corrugated, cartons, labels or similar)
- Category strategy development and execution
- Strategic sourcing, tendering and supplier negotiations
- Supplier relationship management and performance improvement
- Working across multiple manufacturing sites
- Influencing stakeholders across Technical, Operations, Commercial and Finance
Leadership experience is welcomed, but we're equally interested in ambitious procurement professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career.
The person we're looking for
We're far more interested in mindset than job title.
You'll probably thrive in this role if you're someone who
- Enjoys solving complex commercial problems
- Is naturally curious and commercially minded
- Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
- Is comfortable influencing rather than directing
- Thrives in an evolving environment
- Wants to help shape the future of procurement rather than simply operate within it
- Is looking for genuine long-term career progression
Why join?
This is more than a replacement hire.
The business is investing in its procurement capability, and this appointment is viewed as a key part of that journey.
You'll work closely with an experienced Head of Procurement and have the opportunity to become a genuine senior leader within the function over time.
You'll also benefit from
- A strong salary
- A strong annual bonus
- Excellent benefits package
- Exposure to major strategic procurement projects
- Genuine career development opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive procurement team
Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging in Cambridge employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Join a leading food manufacturer in Cornwall that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. As a Technical Manager, you'll not only influence site strategy and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality but also benefit from a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With strong customer relationships and a commitment to continuous improvement, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact in the food manufacturing sector.
Contact Details:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging in Cambridge
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Blakeney Point Search & Selection.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Blakeney Point Search & Selection:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Blakeney Point Search & Selection. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Blakeney Point Search & Selection.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Blakeney Point Search & Selection!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Blakeney Point Search & Selection. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Blakeney Point Search & Selection's culture.
