At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of paper for innovative food packaging products.
- Company: Join EP Group, a global leader in packaging manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Travel opportunities and a chance to drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic industry while working with top suppliers.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in paper purchasing and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
EP Group is an award winning, global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and Southeast Asia. Our global headquarters in Birmingham is home to our dedicated paper manufacturing division providing a wide range of food packaging products for some of the worlds largest high street and online retail, grocery and FMCG customers. We are now seeking a Senior Buyer to manage the procurement of our paper for the manufacture of our products.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for all our paper
- Develop a deep understanding of our product range and their associated paper requirements
- Develop an understanding of our manufacturing capabilities in relation to how our paper is used to manufacture our products
- Build a strong network of paper suppliers, mills, agents, merchants and other players in the market
- Negotiate competitive terms
- Drive cost saving initiatives to deliver cost reductions across our paper sourcing
- Manage supplier evaluation, selection and ongoing quality reviews
- Extensive travel to the global supply base
- Approval of purchase orders in line with SAP release authorisation
- Drive stock reduction whilst maintaining availability in line with agreed service levels
- Ensure full group compliance of waste legislation obligations
- Ensure full compliance with the relevant BRC standard and customer standards
- Ensure full compliance with relevant Ethical standards
- Drive best practice process throughout our paper supply chain
- Identify trends in supply and demand for paper in relation to our business requirements, taking action to benefit the business
Key Requirements
- Extensive experience in the paper sector from a buying / purchasing perspective
- Strong understanding of paper converting / manufacturing products from paper
- Experience of high volume European and global purchasing including from SE Asia
- A strong network within the paper sector to include mills, suppliers, agents and merchants
- Understanding of SIOP in a paper converting or manufacturing environment
- Strategic approach to sourcing
- Demonstrable achievements in delivering cost savings
- Proven track record of delivering results in sourcing
- Strong communication / stakeholder management skills
- Commercially focused
- Skilled negotiator; hands–on approach to face‑to‑face negotiations with supply base
- Knowledge of MRP systems; SAP would be beneficial
Salary: £50,000.00-£55,000.00
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Senior Buyer - Paper in Birmingham employer: EP Group
EP Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the packaging industry. Located in Birmingham, our global headquarters provides employees with opportunities for professional growth and development, supported by a dedicated team and a commitment to quality and sustainability. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and encourages you to drive impactful category strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Paper in Birmingham
✨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 EP Group.
✨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 Buyer - Paper in Birmingham
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 EP Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to EP Group. 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 EP Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at EP Group
✨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 EP Group!
✨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 EP Group. 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 EP Group's culture.
