At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage packaging materials, ensuring quality and compliance for production.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG company with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, health cash plan, and free cheese every week!
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace culture with fun events and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in packaging sustainability while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of packaging regulations.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Packaging Buyer sources, purchases, and manages packaging materials for production and packing operations, ensuring they are available in the right quantity, at the right time and specification, and at the best commercial value. Working closely with Production, Technical, Planning, and suppliers, the Packaging Buyer will manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and contracts, ensure compliance with food safety and retailer standards, and drive continuous improvement in packaging performance, cost, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and purchase all packaging materials required to support production schedules, including film, labels, cartons, sleeves, cases, and specialist packaging formats.
- Raise purchase orders and manage supplier deliveries in line with agreed lead times and stock requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging suppliers, ensuring high levels of service and performance.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreements to deliver best value and cost control.
- Manage supplier performance including quality, delivery accuracy, and responsiveness.
- Ensure supply continuity through effective risk management, contingency planning, and dual sourcing where appropriate, while avoiding overstock and waste.
- Work closely with Technical/QA teams to ensure packaging meets food safety, legality, and customer specification requirements.
- Ensure packaging compliance with relevant standards including BRC, ISO, traceability, allergen controls, and labelling regulations.
- Coordinate packaging changes and new packaging introductions in line with customer requirements.
- Ensure packaging documentation is accurate and up to date, including specifications and supplier certifications.
- Collaborate with planning to align purchasing with demand forecasts and production plans.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data and stock records within the ERP system.
- Monitor usage trends and manage order quantities to minimise excess stock and waste.
- Identify potential risks to supply and elevate issues early to minimise disruption.
- Support packaging rationalisation and standardisation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce complexity.
- Contribute to sustainability projects, including reducing plastic use, improving recyclability, and supporting responsible sourcing.
- Support CI projects aimed at improving packaging quality, line efficiency, and performance.
- Support Production by ensuring packaging availability and resolving urgent supply issues.
- Work closely with Commercial and Customer teams to support new product launches, customer changes, and seasonal demand.
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience in a Buyer / Procurement role, ideally within FMCG or food manufacturing (experience within dairy is desirable).
- Strong commercial awareness with proven ability to negotiate and manage supplier relationships.
- Experience purchasing packaging materials (film, cartons, labels, cases, etc.) is highly desirable.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple demands.
- Project management skills dealing with multiple business departments.
- Ability to interpret forecasts and plan purchasing activity accordingly.
- Good IT skills including Excel and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Experience in using SAP BYD preferable.
- Strong attention to detail, particularly around specifications and compliance.
- Knowledge of packaging regulations, sustainability requirements, and retailer expectations.
- Experience supporting NPD launches, artwork changes, and packaging trials.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, resilient, and solutions focused.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Calm under pressure and able to manage urgent operational demands.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Analytical mindset with a focus on cost control and continuous improvement.
Working Hours
40 hours per week Monday to Friday. Site based.
Benefits
- Free parking, within proximity to all major travel networks.
- 31 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing with service.
- An extra day off for your birthday.
- Health cash plan (Medicash), after 3 months.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Company pension scheme – employer 4% and employee 5%.
- Company paid events throughout the year.
- Fruity Tuesday.
- FREE pack of cheese every week.
- Discounted staff cheese shop.
- Doughnut Fridays.
Packaging Buyer in Manchester employer: Extons Foods Ltd
As a Packaging Buyer at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer a supportive culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, health plans, and unique perks like free cheese every week. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and excellence in packaging, while enjoying a workplace that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Buyer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the packaging industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience in sourcing and managing packaging materials. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since negotiating pricing and contracts is key for a Packaging Buyer, role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence before interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Buyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Packaging Buyer role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and purchasing packaging materials, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills like negotiation and supplier management.
Showcase Your Achievements:When writing your application, include specific examples of how you've improved packaging performance or reduced costs in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experience and skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage multiple demands efficiently!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Extons Foods Ltd
✨Know Your Packaging Materials
Before the interview, brush up on the different types of packaging materials like films, cartons, and labels. Be ready to discuss their specifications and how they impact production. This shows you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Master Supplier Relationships
Think about your past experiences managing supplier relationships. Prepare examples where you successfully negotiated pricing or improved service levels. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong partnerships, which is crucial for a Packaging Buyer.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with relevant packaging regulations and standards such as BRC and ISO. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles. This will highlight your attention to detail and understanding of food safety requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to inform purchasing decisions. Whether it’s interpreting forecasts or managing stock levels, showcasing your analytical mindset will prove you can contribute to cost control and continuous improvement initiatives.
