Senior Buyer - Paper

EP Group – Senior Buyer – Paper 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 world’s 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 – Senior Buyer – Paper * 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 tends in supply and demand for paper in relation to our business requirements, taking action to benefit the business Key Requirements – Senior Buyer – Paper * 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