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- Tasks: Lead a team in buying packaging for our pet food products.
- Company: Join Pets Choice, a trusted pet food manufacturer with 135 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and quality in pet care.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, especially in FMCG packaging; strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse brands and make a real impact in the pet industry.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Position Overview
To support our growth, we are looking for a Senior Buyer/Manager to join our team.
The Senior Buyer will report to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, and will have responsibility for leading a small team with a primary focus on buying packaging for our manufactured products.
Location
Blackburn, Hybrid
Company Overview
Pets Choice is a leading pet food manufacturer whose industry knowledge spans over 135 years. Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, the Pets Choice portfolio of brands offers a variety of products for pets and wild animals under its brands; Webbox, TastyBone, Meatiful, Spike’s World, Goodwyns, Davies, Oceanic and Vitakraft. Each brand offers a unique insight into animals from dogs to ducks and produces high-quality products that cater to a wide variety of consumer needs. As a trusted partner, Pets Choice provide private label goods including extruded food, wet food and retorted trays, and baked fresh meat treats. The business also offers additional services such as packaging design, fulfilment and logistics. With a broad range of capabilities and distribution channels worldwide, Pets Choice are proud to be a major supplier to the UK grocery, independents and pet speciality sectors.
Role :
- Lead, mentor, and develop your team
- Develop and execute procurement strategies for packaging to ensure continuity of production and cost efficiency.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends and potential new suppliers.
- Compliance with environmental standards and regulations.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms for both cost and quality.
- Perform regular supplier performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement or optimisation.
- Monitor supplier risk management, including identifying potential disruptions in supply chains and proactively mitigating risks.
- Work closely with production, planning, and logistics teams to ensure raw material and packaging availability aligns with production schedules and demand forecasts.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels, balancing cost efficiency with the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.
- Manage procurement budgets
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements without compromising on product quality or delivery timelines.
- Implement strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce overall procurement costs.
- Ensure that all raw materials and packaging meet the required quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Work closely with the quality assurance team to resolve any quality issues that arise with suppliers or materials.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and best practices.
- Prepare and present regular reports and utilise data analytics to monitor procurement KPIs.
Key attributes and skills:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience of procurement, with a strong focus on buying packaging in the FMCG sector.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost optimisation and process improvement.
- Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
- Desirable: Proven leadership skills
- Desirable: CIPS or relevant degree
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Senior Buyer / Manager – Packaging employer: Pets Choice Limited
Contact Detail:
Pets Choice Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer / Manager – Packaging
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in procurement, especially in the FMCG sector. Focus on specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved processes related to packaging.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing instances where you've mentored or developed a team. This will show that you can lead and inspire others, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends and regulations related to packaging. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and compliance standards will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive procurement decisions. Be ready to share specific KPIs you've monitored and how they impacted your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer / Manager – Packaging
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Buyer/Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially focusing on procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in procurement, particularly in packaging within the FMCG sector. Emphasize your negotiation skills, leadership experience, and any specific achievements that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the pet food industry and your understanding of the company's values. Mention how your background and skills make you a perfect fit for leading a team and executing procurement strategies.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, be sure to emphasize your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and optimized costs in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets Choice Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Buyer/Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully mentored or developed team members in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Expertise
Negotiation is key in this role. Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted, focusing on how you achieved favorable terms while maintaining quality standards.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analytics in previous positions to monitor procurement KPIs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in packaging and procurement within the FMCG sector. Discussing current market analysis and potential new suppliers will show your proactive approach and industry knowledge.
