At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global packaging strategies and manage supplier relationships across multiple countries.
- Company: Join a dynamic global food manufacturing business undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking growth in a global role with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of packaging in a fast-paced, international environment.
- Qualifications: Strong packaging procurement experience and strategic negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
I’m recruiting a Senior Procurement Manager with strong packaging procurement experience to join a global food manufacturing business during a major period of transformation. This is a newly elevated role, created to bring greater experience, pace and strategic focus into the procurement team. The successful candidate will take responsibility for packaging procurement across a complex international manufacturing network.
The role will support operations across the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Poland and Ireland, as well as colleagues in Australia and New Zealand.
You will lead the development and delivery of packaging category strategies across multiple countries and manufacturing sites. Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing global packaging category strategies
- Managing packaging spend across multiple countries and sites
- Delivering cost savings, value creation and supplier improvements
- Leading sourcing projects, tenders and commercial negotiations
- Managing strategic supplier relationships and performance
- Supporting packaging legislation, compliance and sustainability requirements
- Identifying and mitigating supplier, cost and supply chain risks
- Improving procurement data, systems and processes
- Working closely with operations, technical, commercial and site teams
- Aligning sites around common suppliers, specifications and procurement strategies
- Managing multiple priorities and delivering projects at pace
Packaging experience is central to this appointment. Relevant category experience could include:
- Flexible packaging
- Films
- Trays and rigid plastics
- Corrugated and cardboard
- Labels and sleeves
- Food-contact packaging
- Sustainable and recyclable packaging
- Secondary and tertiary packaging
You should also have a strong understanding of changing packaging legislation, compliance requirements and sustainability pressures.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working across geographically dispersed teams, suppliers and manufacturing sites. You will ideally have:
- Strong strategic packaging procurement experience
- A manufacturing, food, FMCG or consumer goods background
- Experience operating across multiple sites or countries
- Exposure to regional, European or global procurement
- A track record of delivering savings and commercial improvements
- Strong supplier negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- The resilience to work effectively during business transformation
- The ability to work independently without close supervision
- A flexible and proactive approach to changing priorities
Regular travel will be required across the UK and Europe to visit manufacturing sites, suppliers and project stakeholders. The role will initially require at least three days per week at the Huntingdon office, supplier locations or other business sites. Greater flexibility may be available once established.
This opportunity would suit an experienced Senior Procurement Manager, Packaging Category Manager, Global Category Manager or Senior Packaging Buyer ready to step into a broader international role.
Senior Procurement Manager - Packaging in Cambridge employer: Distinct | B Corp
Distinct | B Corp is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Leeds, where employees are empowered to shape tax strategies on a global scale. With competitive benefits such as a 25% annual bonus and a generous pension contribution, along with ample opportunities for professional growth, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the field of international tax.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager - 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 Distinct | B Corp.
✨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 - 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 Distinct | B Corp:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp.
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct | B Corp
✨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 Distinct | B Corp!
✨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 Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp's culture.
