At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage packaging procurement for our pet products.
- Company: Join Pets Choice, a top 5 UK pet care company with exciting growth ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and team mentorship.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a positive impact in the pet care industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, especially in FMCG packaging; strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with production and logistics teams for seamless operations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Pets Choice is home to fast growing and leading Pet brands including Webbox, TastyBone, Meatiful, Felight, Bob Martin & Vets Kitchen. We are the 5th largest branded pet care company in the UK going through continuous and sustainable growth with ambition to be number one, and ambition to be the best that we can be!
To support our growth, we are looking for a Senior / Packaging Buyer to join our team. The Senior / Packaging Buyer will report to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, and will have responsibility for leading a small team with a primary focus on managing packaging for our manufactured products.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead, mentor, and develop your team
- Develop and execute procurement strategies for raw materials and 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.
We're looking for the following skills and competencies:
- 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, CIPS or relevant degree.
Packaging Buyer employer: Pets Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pets Choice Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those involved in packaging procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific packaging materials and suppliers used in the pet care industry. Understanding the unique requirements and challenges of this sector will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cost optimisation and supplier relationship management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved procurement processes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on environmental regulations and sustainability practices in packaging. Demonstrating your knowledge in these areas can set you apart, as Pets Choice values compliance with environmental standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in packaging within the FMCG sector. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and any successful cost-saving initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Pets Choice. Mention how your background aligns with their goals of sustainable growth and quality standards. Be sure to include your leadership experience and how you can contribute to their team.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your strong analytical and problem-solving skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've used data analytics to monitor procurement KPIs or improve processes in previous roles.
Research Pets Choice: Familiarise yourself with Pets Choice and its brands. Understanding their market position and values will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions about how you can support their ambition to be number one in the pet care industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets Choice Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Packaging Buyer, 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 Prowess
Negotiation is key in this role. Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted, focusing on how you achieved favourable terms while maintaining quality standards.
✨Know Your Market Trends
Conduct thorough research on current trends in packaging within the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analytics in previous roles to monitor KPIs or identify cost-saving opportunities.