At a Glance
- Tasks: Source innovative packaging solutions and manage NPD buying for delicious food products.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Receive on-the-job training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes everyday taste better through food innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent, food knowledge, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Why Greencore? Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we're one of the UK's leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make everyday taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we're proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn. Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
We are looking for an NPD (New Product Development) Buyer, to source safe, commercially competitive and great tasting food in line with procurement strategies to provide food innovation solutions for the business. To do this, you will manage a small lead buying portfolio for Greencore, specifically focussed on Packaging.
- Lead the effective and accurate NPD sourcing on new packaging in line with business requirements, contributing ideas and information, and ensuring timely delivery of requirements to the Product Development teams.
- In depth supplier knowledge of sourcing area and avoidance of margin creep through product churn.
- Ensure products are sourced in alignment with Greencore Purchasing Excellence, procurement strategy and objectives; and the process is compliant with the internal functional processes.
- Represent NPD buying and or lead specific projects that contribute to our strategic innovation agenda, identifying suppliers and sourcing ingredients in line with the strategy.
- Act as the conduit between the innovation category teams and the lead buyers for your sourcing areas to ensure future innovation strategy is aligned with consumer, customer and business needs.
- Manage a portfolio of Lead Buying areas within the function, ensuring compliance to systems and processes, monitoring and managing risks relating to material availability and input cost inflation.
- Maintenance of a pipeline library of innovation or great products for the sourcing area that is easily accessible to customer teams.
What we're looking for:
- Degree calibre or equivalent.
- Food knowledge and passion.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems.
- Cross functional stakeholder management experience.
At Greencore we put our people at the core. We celebrate their differences and help everyone to be themselves at work. Together we make every day taste better. If this sounds like you join us, grow with Greencore and be a part of driving our future success.
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits.
- 25 days holiday.
- Competitive matched pension contributions.
- Company share save scheme.
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform.
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform.
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on the job training and development opportunities to further your career.
NPD Buyer - Packaging in Leeds employer: Greencore Careers
Greencore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where over 540 colleagues collaborate to create delicious convenience food for leading UK retailers. With a strong focus on employee growth and a vibrant culture, we provide opportunities for advancement while ensuring our team enjoys benefits like a restaurant with hot meals on-site. Join us in Spalding, where your contributions will help make every day taste better.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Buyer - Packaging in Leeds
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Greencore Careers.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Greencore Careers!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Greencore Careers, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace NPD Buyer - Packaging in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Greencore Careers, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Greencore Careers.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Greencore Careers. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Greencore Careers. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore Careers
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Greencore Careers’s mission.
