At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive packaging innovation and cost efficiencies in a fast-paced food business.
- Company: Join the ambitious team at Marks and Spencer, reshaping the future of retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values your unique contributions and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and packaging strategies across diverse food categories.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging sourcing or buying, with strong communication and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Packaging Sourcing Manager role at Marks and Spencer. We’re reshaping our Food business to broaden its appeal, protecting the magic our customers love while modernising everything else. That means outstanding quality, high sourcing standards, and market‑leading innovation remain at our core, while we transform our supply chains, improve our stores, and deliver better value. We’re looking for motivated people ready to bring their whole self to work and thrive in a fast‑paced, ambitious team.
As Packaging Sourcing Manager, you will be part of a small, agile team driving cost efficiencies, packaging innovation and some packaging contracts across our Food business. You will shape and deliver short & long‑term sourcing strategies aligned with our commercial goals, category transformation plans & Plan A. This is a high‑impact role with real autonomy, where you will influence how packaging is sourced, contracted and optimised across multiple food categories. You will have the opportunity to make your mark across a wide range of food categories, working directly with packaging suppliers and food manufacturers to unlock value end to end. You will be part of a continuous transformation journey, with exposure to constant innovation and the freedom to challenge how things are done. If you are curious, resilient and ready to lead change, this is a role providing you exposure to a broad range of packaging formats and lowering costs activities.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver packaging cost savings by identifying opportunities across multiple categories, which could lead to negotiating strategic contracts with packaging suppliers.
- Collaborate with internal teams including Categories, Manufacturing Excellence, Shelf Range and Display, and Logistics to maximise end to end value.
- Support NPD and transformation projects by guiding optimal packaging solutions and mitigating cost increases.
- Build and implement sourcing strategies for plastic, metal, glass and paper substrates, aligned with M&S values and legal requirements.
- Provide commodity market insight and support sustainability initiatives with commercially favourable outcomes.
Who you are:
- Experienced in packaging sourcing or buying, ideally within food or FMCG, with strong knowledge of UK and EU packaging landscapes.
- Able to influence without direct spend ownership, using resilience and rapport to land ideas and drive change.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and working autonomously to shape projects and unlock innovation, with a track record of delivering commercial value.
- Confident engaging with technical and non‑technical stakeholders, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Skilled in project & supplier management, cost modelling and strategic planning.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger – helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We are inclusive, fast moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you have completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We are disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We are transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you would benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Packaging Sourcing Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within the Corporate HR technology team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Working in a dynamic location, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that enhance the colleague experience throughout their journey with the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Sourcing Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Marks and Spencer.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Sourcing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Marks and Spencer:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marks and Spencer. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Marks and Spencer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Marks and Spencer!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Marks and Spencer. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Marks and Spencer's culture.
