At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for packaging and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join pladis, a global leader in biscuits and confectionery with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with a clear vision for success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative company dedicated to happiness.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don't compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.
The Procurement function is made of 130 professionals working across the world to create competitive advantage for pladis through long and mid-term sourcing strategies and strong supplier relationships. Our 2026 Procurement vision- Beyond the Stars aims at delivering more value for the business along 5 key business deliverables: Supply Continuity, Cost Out, Cash Flow optimization, Sustainability and Supplier Innovation.
We work as a matrix organization, with Global Categories leveraging the pladis global size and Regional Procurement ensuring a strong connection and proximity with our 3 regions: UEA (UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia & New Zealand), Turcamena (Türkiye, Central Asia, Middle East & North Africa), and International (Asia, the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa). Within UKI Regional Procurement, the Head of Packaging reports directly to the UKI Procurement Director, who in turn reports into the UEA President. (S)He drives (in alignment with Global Packaging Procurement team) the Packaging Category (70 M£ spend). In addition the role will play a key part in the Regional Procurement Leadership Team, developing strategy and leading procurement change initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Implementing all Procurement-driven processes & tools within your categories
- Delivering top class results across all 5 strategic dimensions of our mission via UKI Packaging team
- Build strong SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) with strategic suppliers, to build long-term relationships
- Support your team with the contract execution when significant breaches of service / quality are identified
- Lead AOP (budgeting process) for packaging, and key cost-model assumptions (labour, energy, chemicals, etc) in collaboration with Global Procurement
- Ensure that successful negotiations and supply agreements are implemented and manage all contracts for local sub-categories
- Manage the supply base performance and lead issue resolution
- Understand the market fundamentals on a regional and global scale to develop key supply partners to support pladis growth agenda
- Be the face of Packaging procurement actively across pladis UKI and Global Procurement
- Establish the regional category governance framework aligned with global standards and policies
- Review and report all Packaging activity in the pladis endorsed format aligned to the business drumbeat
- Lead all regional sourcing and purchasing activities for the Category and manage all internal relationships as required to deliver against the regional sourcing strategies and savings targets
- Implement and provide input for the category management strategies set by the Global Team for cost reduction or value improvement that result in tangible benefits to the bottom line.
- Manage a team of direct reports to deliver against our 5 key strategic deliverables
Essential Skills
- Bachelor degree or equivalent experience
- Significant experience in Procurement (with a proven success in running a Category at regional or global level, in a worldwide organization) ideally within packaging
- Ability to deal with ambiguity within a complex and multicultural environment
- Proven ability to work with cross-functional team, with a collaborative mindset.
- Natural leadership & influence skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to be hands on operationally as well as building a long term strategic vision
- Available to work in Chiswick 3 days a week / travel on request to factories & suppliers.
Desirable Skills
- Proficiency in another language is a +
- Previous work experience in matrix procurement organization.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. pladis is an ambitious global snacking company and home to much loved brands including McVitie's, GODIVA and Ülker. pladis also owns regional brands Jacob's, Go Ahead, Flipz, Turtles, BN, Verkade and many more products across sweet and savoury biscuits, wafer, cake and chocolate. Formed in 2016, pladis is the proud steward of over 300 years of family baking and confectionery experience. The expertise of our 15,000+ global workforce spans 26 bakeries and factories and is united by our purpose: to 'bring happiness with every bite'. As a responsible business delivering the highest quality products and exceptional service, pladis' products have the potential to reach more than four billion people across the world.
Head of Procurement - Packaging, UK&I employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis Foods Limited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located in the vibrant United Kingdom, we offer our employees unparalleled growth opportunities, a commitment to sustainability, and a supportive work environment that encourages creativity and teamwork. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and invests in your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement - Packaging, UK&I
✨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 pladis Foods Limited.
✨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 Head of Procurement - Packaging, UK&I
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 pladis Foods Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to pladis Foods Limited. 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 pladis Foods Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Foods Limited
✨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 pladis Foods Limited!
✨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 pladis Foods Limited. 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 pladis Foods Limited's culture.
