At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage packaging materials for production, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, health cash plan, free parking, and fun company events.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives sustainability and efficiency in packaging.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of packaging regulations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 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 must have:
- 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.
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 in Manchester employer: Extons Foods
Extons Foods is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a vibrant work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With generous benefits such as 31 days of holiday, health cash plans, and unique perks like Fruity Tuesdays and Doughnut Fridays, employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters both personal and career development. Located conveniently with free parking and close to major travel networks, Extons Foods is committed to sustainability and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Buyer in Manchester
✨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 Extons Foods.
✨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 Packaging Buyer in Manchester
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 Extons Foods:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Extons Foods. 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 Extons Foods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Extons Foods
✨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 Extons Foods!
✨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 Extons Foods. 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 Extons Foods's culture.
