At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead packaging procurement and shape sustainable strategies for our drinks.
- Company: Join innocent, a leading drinks company committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, bonus, birthday off, and free smoothies.
- Other info: Diverse workplace where your unique background is valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on packaging innovation while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 back in 1999 and since then we’ve gone 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). It’s nice to be able to say things like that but we’re not patting ourselves on the back just yet. We want to show everyone that it’s possible to be a successful business while looking after people and the planet too, so we’re trying to get better in pretty much every way. And that’s where this job comes in.
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.
You’ll be:
- owning key packaging categories, including supplier relationships, contracts and annual spend
- negotiating with suppliers to deliver cost savings while maintaining quality and supply
- making sure we always have the right capacity in place to meet demand
- leading resilience projects to protect our supply chain and reduce risk
- working closely with Packaging Development and Sustainability teams on innovation and long‑term plans
- running tenders and supporting strategic sourcing decisions
- tracking and forecasting commodity and budget performance
- influencing stakeholders across the business to land the best outcomes
You’ll have:
- 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
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
In exchange for helping us do business in the right way, you’ll get a solid rewards package that includes a salary, private healthcare, a target‑based bonus, and a bunch of other nice things like a day off on your birthday. And yes, you get free smoothies.
We also know that not all our drinkers come from the same background, or think the same – so why should we? At innocent, we want to be a great place to work where a diverse bunch of people from all backgrounds can turn up and thrive. When we hire, we want all the juice, bits, and pulp that make you who you are.
Even if you don’t think you can tick all the boxes, if the job sounds right for you, come and throw your hat in the ring.
Senior Packaging Buyer in London employer: innocent Limited
Contact Detail:
innocent Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Packaging Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at innocent or similar companies. 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 to make fruit and veg more accessible.
✨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 or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Packaging Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for sustainability and how it aligns with our mission. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to customise your application to reflect your experience in procurement and packaging. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to negotiate and manage supplier relationships effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 to join our innocent family!
How to prepare for a job interview at innocent Limited
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of packaging. Understand the latest trends, materials, and sustainability practices in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨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 while maintaining quality. This will demonstrate your ability to balance commercial acumen with supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in procurement or packaging before. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your logical approach to problem-solving and how you turned ambiguity into action.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Innocent is all about sustainability and making a positive impact. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Showing that you share their vision will set you apart from other candidates.