At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for materials in a fast-paced packaging environment.
- Company: One of the largest HD Flexo packaging printers in the UK, trusted by top consumer brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on quality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, negotiation skills, and understanding of commodity markets.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
We are one of the largest HD Flexo packaging printers in the UK supplying to the household, personal care, food, beverage, beauty, healthcare, pet care, horticulture & automotive industries. Supplying some of the world's leading consumer brands, we are a trusted supplier providing high quality, innovative and sustainable packaging. Today we operate a 24/5 multi-production facility across multiple presses with High Definition and Decoration capabilities for labels, flexible films, shrink sleeves, multi construction laminates, board products and promotional booklets & tags.
About our requirement: Over the past few years, the UK HD flexo printing packaging industry has navigated a period of intensified raw material volatility, sustainability-driven material shifts and regulatory pressure, profoundly shaping procurement strategies for converters and printers. Fluctuations in the cost of pulp paper and core polymer-based substrates (PE, PP) have continued to challenge the sector. Therefore maintaining cost competitiveness while securing quality materials has become a central procurement priority. As our Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding supply, controlling cost and enabling innovation across a fast-moving HD flexo printing environment. Operating at the centre of our raw material supply chain, you will lead the sourcing strategy for substrates, inks, coatings, plates and press consumables ensuring we deliver consistent quality, sustainability and margin performance in a volatile market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Securing reliable, cost-effective supply of core materials including PE/PP films, laminates, papers, flexo inks, coatings and plate materials.
- Mitigate raw material price volatility through robust negotiation, category tenders and contracting strategies/supplier relationship management.
- Reduce supply risk via dual sourcing, supplier diversification and contingency planning.
- Support the transition to recyclable, mono-material and lower-impact packaging solutions in line with customer and regulatory demands.
- Improve working capital through optimised inventory, lead-time reduction and demand planning alignment.
- Maintain rigorous quality and specification control to protect press performance and print consistency.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrable success managing raw material categories, polymer substrates (PE, PP, PET), inks, and print consumables highly desirable.
- Proven ability to negotiate contracts, manage tenders and deliver measurable cost savings and value improvement.
- Experience managing supplier performance, service levels and risk across domestic and international supply bases.
- Can evidence strong understanding of commodity markets and cost drivers impacting petrochemical-based materials.
- Experience building sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risk, price volatility and long lead times.
- Excellent commercial acumen, analytical skills and data-driven decision making.
- Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Technical, QA and Finance teams.
Personal Attributes:
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with competing priorities.
- Detail-oriented with strong quality and specification focus.
- Resilient, adaptable and capable of managing change.
- Collaborative, relationship-driven and confident influencing at all levels.
If you recognise yourself in the description above, we want to meet you to discuss how you can help us achieve our exciting objectives.
Procurement Manager in Gravesend employer: Leading Edge Labels Ltd
As one of the largest HD Flexo packaging printers in the UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Our Head Office team in Kent fosters a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development, offering opportunities to engage with leading consumer brands while navigating the dynamic landscape of procurement in the packaging industry. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises both professional advancement and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show us that you understand the challenges in the HD flexo printing packaging industry and how you can tackle them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure cost-effective supplies. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Manager. Highlight your experience with raw materials, negotiation skills, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage supply chains effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the HD flexo printing industry and sustainability trends.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, provide examples of how you've used analytical skills to drive cost savings or improve supplier performance. This will show us you can handle the fast-paced environment we operate in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leading Edge Labels Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of raw materials, especially polymer substrates like PE and PP. Being able to discuss their properties and how they impact procurement strategies will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you managed to secure cost savings or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of price volatility in the industry.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Stay updated on current trends in the HD flexo printing packaging sector. Be ready to discuss how these trends affect procurement strategies, especially regarding sustainability and regulatory pressures. This shows you're proactive and informed.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working cross-functionally, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with other teams. Share how you’ve influenced decisions or improved processes through teamwork, as this is key for a Procurement Manager.
