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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Extons Foods, their values, and their products. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to procurement and packaging. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
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 qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
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
✨Know Your Packaging Materials
Before the interview, brush up on the different types of packaging materials like films, cartons, and labels. Being able to discuss their specifications and how they impact production will show your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Master Negotiation Techniques
Since negotiating pricing and contracts is a key part of the job, prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Highlight your strategies and outcomes to demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to manage supplier relationships.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant packaging regulations and compliance standards such as BRC and ISO. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will showcase your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing multiple demands and coordinating with various departments. Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully handled projects, especially those involving new product launches or packaging changes.
