At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop the packaging category, driving value and sustainability.
- Company: Join Saint-Gobain, a leader in light and sustainable construction.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, ideally with packaging knowledge; MCIPS desirable.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, we’re looking for a Buyer (Direct – Packaging) to join our Procurement team and play a key role in managing and developing our packaging category across the Saint-Gobain businesses.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced procurement professional with packaging experience to take ownership of a diverse category, working with stakeholders across our businesses and a range of suppliers to drive value, sustainability and commercial performance.
You’ll have the opportunity to look across our collective packaging spend, identify opportunities to work more collaboratively and help us make sure we’re getting the best value from our supplier relationships.
The role will be based at our East Leake site, with 3 days per week onsite and regular travel to Saint-Gobain sites and suppliers.
What we’re looking for
- Experience working in procurement, ideally with at least 1 year of experience within packaging or a related category.
- Good commercial awareness, with the ability to analyse spend, identify opportunities and understand the wider business impact of procurement decisions.
- An understanding of packaging regulations, legislation and sustainability/CSR considerations, with the ability to interpret requirements and translate them into practical actions.
- A confident communicator who can build effective relationships with suppliers and stakeholders across different Saint-Gobain businesses, from plant and operational teams through to senior stakeholders.
- A self-starter with a practical, proactive approach who is comfortable managing priorities, influencing others and getting things done.
MCIPS qualification (or equivalent) is desirable.
If you do not currently hold MCIPS, we would expect you to be studying towards the qualification if successful in your application.
What you will be doing
- Take ownership of the packaging category, developing an understanding of the portfolio, spend and current supplier landscape and identifying opportunities to improve value.
- Take the procurement lead on our suppliers adherence to Packaging legislation and regulation.
- Work closely with stakeholders across Saint-Gobain businesses to understand their packaging requirements and identify opportunities to leverage collective spend and improve procurement efficiencies.
- Develop and manage supplier relationships, including visiting suppliers and Saint-Gobain sites to understand operations, how packaging is being used and opportunities for improvement.
- Lead and support tender and sourcing activity, working with stakeholders to understand business requirements, facilitate the process and implement changes effectively.
- Monitor and manage spend, contracts and supplier performance while considering cost, quality, supply, sustainability and regulatory requirements.
Are Saint-Gobain and our businesses inclusive employers?
Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, following our purpose of ‘Making the World a Better Home’.
We play a part in improving daily life through high-performance solutions.
From wherever you are, let your unique personality and our values guide you every day to invent a more sustainable world.
We understand that a diverse workplace is not only a more enjoyable place to be, but also facilitates better decision making and innovation.
So, whoever you are, and whichever Saint-Gobain business you join, you can be sure of a warm welcome with us.
And what about flexibility?
At Saint-Gobain, we’re always open to new ways of working.
Everyone has different needs and commitments.
We’ll happily discuss any need you might have for this role.
Whilst we can’t promise to meet every request when we’re recruiting, we do promise to listen.
If you match our criteria, we will be in touch to discuss your experience and more about you as a person. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Buyer (Direct Packaging) in East Leake employer: Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland
At Saint-Gobain, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an R D Principal Scientist in East Leake, you will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects in a supportive environment, with access to professional growth opportunities and a commitment to sustainability. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry while enjoying a flexible workplace that values your unique contributions.
Contact Details:
Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Direct Packaging) in East Leake
✨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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland.
✨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 Buyer (Direct Packaging) in East Leake
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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland. 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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland
✨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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland!
✨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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland. 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 Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland's culture.
