At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop packaging categories while collaborating with stakeholders and suppliers.
- Company: Join a global leader in sustainable construction, committed to making the world a better home.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful projects and drive sustainability in packaging procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, preferably in packaging, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Location: East Leake
Hybrid: 3 days per week onsite
At Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, we are 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 will have the opportunity to look across our collective packaging spend, identify opportunities to work more collaboratively and help us make sure we are 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 are 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.
About us:
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 are always open to new ways of working. Everyone has different needs and commitments. We will happily discuss any need you might have for this role. Whilst we cannot promise to meet every request when we are 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.
Buyer (Direct Packaging) in Loughborough employer: Saint Gobain
Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity. As a Specification Manager in the North, you'll benefit from a supportive team environment, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on infrastructure projects across the region. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, you'll be part of a company that values your unique contributions and fosters a collaborative spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Direct Packaging) in Loughborough
✨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.
✨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 Loughborough
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Saint Gobain. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint Gobain
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
