Senior Packaging Buyer

Senior Packaging Buyer

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Innocent Drinks

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage packaging categories and supplier relationships while driving cost savings and sustainability.
  • Company: Join Innocent, a leading drinks company on a mission for healthier living.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, birthday off, and free smoothies.
  • Other info: Dynamic culture with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of packaging and make a real impact in sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and commercial acumen.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

About Innocent
Here at Innocent, we’re on a mission to make it easier for everyone to get more fruit and veg into their bodies. We started in 1999 and have grown from selling a few smoothies at a music festival to becoming one of Europe’s biggest drinks companies with around 1,000 people and the B Corp seal of approval.

Role Overview
Our Direct Procurement team plays a big role in keeping Innocent flowing, making sure we’ve got the right packaging at the right time from the right partners. We’re looking for a Senior Packaging Buyer to help us do just that, while also shaping what our packaging future looks like. From managing key supplier relationships to driving cost and resilience, this role sits at the heart of how we deliver our drinks sustainably and at scale.

Responsibilities

  • Own key packaging categories, including supplier relationships, contracts, and annual spend.
  • Negotiate with suppliers to deliver cost savings while maintaining quality and supply.
  • Ensure the right capacity is always in place to meet demand.
  • Lead resilience projects to protect the supply chain and reduce risk.
  • Work closely with Packaging Development and Sustainability teams on innovation and long-term plans.
  • Run tenders and support strategic sourcing decisions.
  • Track and forecast commodity and budget performance.
  • Influence stakeholders across the business to land the best outcomes.

What You’ll Need

  • Experience in procurement and contract management, with a strong understanding of related processes.
  • Experience buying packaging or similar categories.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
  • A clear, logical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to turn ambiguity into action.
  • Strong commercial acumen, balancing short- and long-term thinking.
  • The drive to improve how things are done and make a positive impact.

What You’ll Get

  • Hands-on exposure to how our products are made and the suppliers behind them.
  • Ownership of packaging categories and the chance to shape how they evolve.
  • The opportunity to lead tenders and resilience programmes that have real business impact.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with teams like Sustainability and Innovation.
  • The chance to influence our long-term packaging strategy and supplier network.
  • Accountability for your budget, including forecasting and tracking performance.

Company Culture & Benefits
We want Innocent to be a great place to work, providing a solid rewards package that includes a competitive salary, private healthcare, a target-based bonus, a day off on your birthday, and free smoothies. We value diversity and aim to create an inclusive environment for people from all backgrounds to thrive.

Senior Packaging Buyer employer: Innocent Drinks

Innocent is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the beverage industry. As a Senior Packaging Buyer, you will enjoy hands-on exposure to product development, the opportunity to shape packaging strategies, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and a day off on your birthday. With a commitment to diversity and employee growth, Innocent fosters an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Innocent Drinks

Contact Detail:

Innocent Drinks Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Packaging Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

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

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Innocent’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Packaging Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend to get comfortable with those discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Innocent team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Packaging Buyer

Procurement
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Cost Savings Analysis
Supply Chain Resilience
Packaging Development
Sustainability Practices
Strategic Sourcing
Commodity Tracking
Budget Forecasting
Stakeholder Influence
Problem-Solving
Commercial Acumen
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Packaging Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and contract management, especially in packaging. We want to see how your skills align with what Innocent is 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 sustainability. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders or driven cost savings in previous roles.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to demonstrate how you’ve built relationships and influenced decisions in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!

How to prepare for a job interview at Innocent Drinks

✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the world of packaging. Understand the latest trends, materials, and innovations in the industry. Being able to discuss how these elements can impact Innocent's sustainability goals will show your passion and expertise.

✨Master the Art of Negotiation

Since this role involves negotiating with suppliers, brush up on your negotiation skills. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved cost savings without compromising quality. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to deliver results.

✨Build Relationships, Even Virtually

Innocent values strong communication and relationship-building skills. Think of ways you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share specific instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference in procurement or project outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss how you've tackled ambiguity in past projects. Think of examples where you turned challenges into actionable solutions, especially in procurement or supply chain contexts. This will highlight your logical approach and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

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