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Retail Packaging Buyer
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Harrison Scott Associates
Retail Packaging Buyer

Retail Packaging Buyer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support sourcing strategies and improve packaging efficiency for a leading high street retailer.
  • Company: Join a renowned brand with a significant annual packaging spend.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to innovate in sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on packaging strategies and drive sustainability initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in packaging buying and strong strategic thinking skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to travel and collaborate with key suppliers.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Title: Retail Packaging Buyer

Salary: Dependent on Experience

Location: UK

Reference: J3548

Contact:

Telephone:

Categories: , ,

We are working with a leading high street retailer as their packaging department, which has an estimated annual spend of over £150m, undergoes significant expansion. This renowned brand is looking for a Packaging Buyer with the knowledge to provide support across all elements of the packaging life cycle.

Responsibilities of the Packaging Buyer

  • Support development and execution of sourcing strategies across all elements of packaging including hangers, cartons and primary packaging.
  • Identify opportunities to improve the cost of packaging through efficiency, design or economies of scale, work with departmental colleagues and the business to align on and execute opportunities.
  • Identify and execute quick wins to reduce packaging spend to allow re-investment in higher quality materials where needed.
  • Support development and execution of the hanger strategy.
  • Seek out packaging innovation through NGO, supplier partnerships, primary market research. Explore ways to move to circularity in our packaging using more sustainable materials.
  • Run RFP’s and lead commercial negotiations for packaging related sourcing.
  • Represent Procurement and packaging spend on appropriate forums.
  • Use ScanMarket as e-Sourcing platform to ensure effective eRFX and contract management.
  • Develop effective channel and buying strategies when sourcing packaging to simplify the operational burden when placing orders.
  • Support buyers in should cost analysis to understand packaging costs and use cross-costing to identify cost opportunities.
  • Explore opportunities to improve consistency of packaging across the business to simplify management, improve efficiency and cost.
  • Identify preferred and nominated suppliers to be used by our product suppliers, ensuring effective contracts and commercial schedules are agreed and transparent.
  • Act as the commercial expert for all packaging related spend working closely with finance to understand opportunities to improve cost that are reported in the product margin.
  • Working with legal to negotiate appropriate contracts with packaging suppliers that are clear and transparent.
  • Consider Total Cost of Ownership when assessing cost of packaging, including unit cost, delivery cost, payment terms, taxes (current and future) and environmental capital.
  • Work with legal to advise and develop strategies that maximise flexibility when it comes to packaging design and IP implications.
  • Support cost modelling to understand impact of meeting enterprise wide packaging targets.
  • Actively explore market opportunities through NGO, supplier partnerships, primary market research and push ways for using packaging as a differentiator from competition.
  • Identify ways to ensure appropriate amount of packaging related tax is paid.
  • Work closely with Packaging Manager on forecasting, ordering and supplier management where nomination of packaging supplier is the chosen route.
  • Provide commercial escalation support for order management when needed.

    • Experience

  • Multi-year experience working in a similar packaging buyer role in a large multinational business in retail industry
  • Experience managing packaging spend in excess of £100m
  • Expertise in developing and building effective sourcing strategies in a highly matrix environment
  • Proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with key suppliers
  • Ability to lead teams in a matrix environment and drive change through effective influencing
  • Excellent knowledge of packaging suppliers and their capabilities globally, with strong a network of key personnel in this space
  • Experience of the buying process in the fashion industry either directly or indirectly
  • Proven experience of managing packaging suppliers from contract management, forecasting, innovation and QBR’s
  • Experience of working with packaging suppliers internationally and supporting nomination/forecasting, especially in hangers and product packaging
  • Demonstrated ability to forge close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior management levels

    • Skills & Competencies

  • Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast pace, matrix environment
  • Able to prioritise effectively and manage business expectations
  • Strong business and commercial acumen
  • Tenacious and determined
  • Collaborative and proactive in style
  • High attention to detail
  • Self-motivated, focused and results orientated
  • Driven with proven track record of success
  • Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to travel as required (> 20%)

    • Share this job:

    Retail Packaging Buyer employer: Harrison Scott Associates

    Join a leading high street retailer renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in packaging. With a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, employees are encouraged to grow through continuous learning and development opportunities. Located in the UK, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact on packaging strategies while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.
    H

    Contact Detail:

    Harrison Scott Associates Recruiting Team

    View Harrison Scott Associates Profile

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Retail Packaging Buyer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the packaging industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s packaging strategies and recent innovations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t forget to showcase your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've saved costs or improved processes in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so bring those stats along!

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

    We think you need these skills to ace Retail Packaging Buyer

    Sourcing Strategies
    Cost Analysis
    Packaging Innovation
    Commercial Negotiations
    e-Sourcing Platforms
    Supplier Management
    Total Cost of Ownership
    Contract Management
    Project Management
    Strategic Partnerships
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Attention to Detail
    Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability
    Business Acumen
    Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Packaging Buyer role. Highlight your experience in packaging procurement and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about packaging and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any innovative ideas you have for improving packaging processes.

    Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking skills. Talk about how you've developed sourcing strategies or improved cost efficiencies in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think outside the box and drive change!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Scott Associates

    ✨Know Your Packaging Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging materials and suppliers. Understand the latest trends in sustainable packaging and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company's goals in this area.

    ✨Show Off Your Strategic Thinking

    Prepare examples of how you've developed sourcing strategies in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you identified cost-saving opportunities or improved efficiencies in previous roles.

    ✨Be Ready for Commercial Negotiations

    Since you'll be leading negotiations, think about your approach to contract management and supplier relationships. Have a few scenarios in mind where you successfully negotiated terms that benefited your previous employer.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

    This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past, especially in a matrix environment, to achieve common goals.

    Retail Packaging Buyer
    Harrison Scott Associates
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