Packaging Manager

Packaging Manager Fresh People are recruiting for an experienced Packaging Manager to join a fast-paced, customer-focused food and fresh produce business in Kent. This is a key operational role with overall responsibility for the procurement, scheduling, storage, stock control and issue of packaging materials across the operation. You will lead the Packaging Procurement, Scheduling and Issuing teams, ensuring packaging is available to meet production requirements while maintaining strong control of stock, budgets, supplier performance and system accuracy. The successful candidate will ideally come from fresh produce, food manufacturing, FMCG or a similarly fast-moving manufacturing environment and will combine strong packaging and stock management knowledge with hands-on leadership capability. The Role * Take overall responsibility for packaging procurement, scheduling, storage and issue * Manage and develop the Packaging Procurement, Scheduling and Issuing teams, including the Print Room * Manage packaging buyers, purchase orders, supplier call-offs and the hire/de-hire of trays and pallets * Maintain strong supplier relationships and manage ongoing supplier performance and communication * Ensure 100% packaging availability against production plans while working within agreed stock and budget targets * Take ownership of packaging stock management, replenishment and live stock systems * Ensure physical stock checks are completed and discrepancies fully investigated and reconciled * Maintain accurate packaging stock records, reports and KPIs * Act as ERP Business System Superuser for stock management processes and system accuracy * Maintain BRC records relating to packaging materials * Ensure WIP procedures and stock locations are accurate and consistently followed * Conduct supplier tenders where appropriate to ensure agreements remain competitive * Support continuous improvement initiatives across packaging and the wider supply chain * Train, coach and develop team members to improve capability and performance * Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with company policies and Health & Safety requirements About You Minimum 5–10 years' relevant industry experience Experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing, FMCG or another fast-moving manufacturing environment Strong packaging, procurement, stock management or supply chain experience Proven operational and manufacturing management experience Demonstrable experience leading, motivating, coaching and developing teams Strong ERP and stock management system knowledge Good understanding of continuous improvement practices Proven ability to implement and deliver against operational plans Strong internal and external stakeholder management skills Commercially aware with the ability to positively impact cost, efficiency and service Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and accuracy Comfortable operating in a hands-on management role Resilient, confident and able to drive change and continuous improvement Full UK driving licence What's on Offer -Permanent opportunity within a fast-paced and growing operation. A highly responsible role with ownership of packaging procurement, stock, systems and team performance. An opportunity to drive improvements across packaging and the wider supply chain This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Packaging Manager looking to take ownership of a critical function within a demanding, fast-moving food or fresh produce environment. In the first instance