Job type: Full-time
Location: In person, Milton Keynes
Experience: In manufacturing, packaging, foodservice, FMCG, or a related sector
Date posted: 01 October 2026
Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Procurement & Commercial Manager to join our growing food and beverage packaging business.
This is a hands-on role covering international and UK supplier purchasing, product costing, supplier negotiation, and customer support. You will play a key role in ensuring we source quality packaging products at competitive prices while maintaining strong margins and excellent customer relationships.
The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging, foodservice, FMCG, manufacturing or a related sector, with a strong understanding of purchasing and commercial costing.
You will be dealing with both international suppliers and UK customers, so excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills are essential.
Key responsibilities
- Manage purchasing from UK and international suppliers.
- Source new suppliers and products where required.
- Obtain and compare supplier quotations.
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs, payment terms, lead times and other commercial terms.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Monitor supplier performance, quality and delivery.
- Manage purchase orders from placement through to delivery.
- Work closely with suppliers on samples, specifications, artwork and production requirements.
- Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing and supply-chain costs.
2) Costing & Commercial
- Prepare accurate product costings for new and existing packaging products.
- Calculate landed costs, taking into account product price, freight, duty, currency and other associated costs.
- Maintain accurate product costs and pricing information.
- Prepare customer quotations and pricing proposals.
- Monitor margins and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Review supplier price increases and assess their impact on customer pricing.
- Support the sales team with pricing and product information.
3) UK Customer Management
- Work directly with UK customers to understand their packaging requirements.
- Respond to customer enquiries and prepare quotations.
- Liaise with customers regarding specifications, pricing, samples and lead times.
- Coordinate customer requirements with suppliers and internal teams.
- Develop strong, long-term customer relationships.
- Help identify new packaging opportunities and products for existing customers.
4) Product & Compliance
- Develop a good understanding of food and beverage packaging materials, specifications and applications.
- Ensure products meet relevant customer and regulatory requirements.
- Work with suppliers to obtain appropriate product specifications and compliance documentation.
- Support quality investigations and resolve supplier/customer issues.
About You
We are looking for someone who is commercially minded, confident and hands-on, with the ability to manage both suppliers and customers.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing or commercial management.
- Experience within food packaging, foodservice packaging, FMCG, manufacturing or a related industry.
- Experience purchasing from international suppliers.
- Experience preparing product costings and customer quotations.
- Good understanding of landed costs, freight, duty and currency considerations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers, products and customer requirements simultaneously.
- A commercial mindset with an understanding of margins and profitability.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects and supplier relationships.
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with any of the following would be advantageous:
- Paper and board packaging
- Plastic packaging
- Cups, containers, trays or takeaway packaging
- Printed packaging
- Packaging sourced from Asia or Europe
- Import/export purchasing
- Freight and shipping
- Food-contact compliance
- Packaging artwork and specifications
- ERP or purchasing systems
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Opportunity to join a growing F&B packaging business.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy.
- Opportunity to develop international supplier relationships.
- A commercially focused role with direct involvement in customers and suppliers.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Canteen
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Important
Education – Bachelor’s (preferred)
Experience – Procurement management: 3 years (required)
Clients that we serve in the food packaging business include:
Need standard trays or custom solutions? We’re here to help. Quickly, reliably, and to spec.
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