At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage packaging materials for production, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Extons Foods, a leading player in the FMCG sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, health cash plan, and free cheese every week!
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and fun company events.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving innovation in packaging while making a real impact.
- 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.
- Have a thorough understanding of relative packaging markets and impact on pricing.
- 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 escalate 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 preferred.
- 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.
Please note we unfortunately do not offer sponsorship for work visas or immigration. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK to be considered for this role.
If this sounds like it could be the role for you then please email HR@extonsfoods.com
Learn more about Extons Foods at https://www.extonsfoods.com/
Packaging Buyer employer: Extons Foods Ltd
Extons Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits such as 31 days of holiday, a health cash plan, and engaging company events, employees are supported both personally and professionally. Located conveniently with free parking and close to major travel networks, the Packaging Buyer role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives while enjoying a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the packaging industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in sourcing and managing packaging materials. Include examples of successful negotiations or projects you've led. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on common questions for buyers in the FMCG sector. This will help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your knowledge of packaging regulations and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in packaging procurement and your understanding of market trends.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Buyer
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 to see 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 qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 film, cartons, and labels. Being able to discuss their specifications and how they impact production will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Master Supplier Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and any strategies you've used to ensure compliance with food safety standards and improve supplier performance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you interpret forecasts and manage purchasing activities accordingly. Bring examples of how you've used data to minimise excess stock and waste, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Initiatives
Since sustainability is a key focus, think about any projects you've been involved in that aimed at reducing plastic use or improving recyclability. Sharing these experiences will demonstrate your alignment with the company's values and goals.
