At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for industrial packaging and optimise costs for equipment and operations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to drive change in procurement.
- Other info: Collaborate across Europe and stay ahead of industry trends in packaging and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that shapes the future of industrial procurement.
- Qualifications: 10 years in industrial procurement with strong negotiation and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an Industrial Buyer OPEX & CAPEX who will also act as European Lead Buyer for Industrial Packaging. In this dual role, you will optimise costs and manage investments for industrial equipment and operations, while leading the procurement strategy for packaging across European sites. Your mission will be to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and compliance with quality and sustainability standards.
Main Tasks
- OPEX (Operational Purchasing)
- Overview day-to-day purchasing of Maintenance, Spare parts, MRO, Waste Management, Logistics, consumables, services, and subcontracting related to production.
- Optimize operational costs through spend analysis, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers, ensuring compliance with quality, deadlines, and cost targets.
- Collaborate with production, logistics, and quality teams to align procurement with operational needs.
- CAPEX (Capital Expenditure Purchasing)
- Lead procurement for capital investments, including equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, in line with the plant’s strategic plans.
- Manage tender processes: draft specifications, evaluate bids, and select suppliers for CAPEX projects.
- Monitor budgets and report on investment progress, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
- Stay updated on technological advancements to drive innovation and performance in industrial operations.
- European Lead Buyer - Industrial Packaging
- Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the procurement strategy for industrial packaging across European sites, ensuring standardization, cost optimisation, and supplier consolidation.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work with production, quality and sustainability teams to select packaging solutions that meet technical, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
- Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with European suppliers to secure competitive pricing, quality, and supply reliability.
- Market Intelligence: Monitor trends in industrial packaging (e.g., sustainability, circular economy) and propose innovative solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with industry regulations (REACH, GMP, ISO) and internal policies (CSR, sustainability).
- Drive digital transformation and process optimisation in procurement (ERP, e‑procurement tools).
- Report to the corporate’s procurement department on his initiatives and the KPIs related to his work.
Required Skills
- Education & Experience: Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field. Minimum 10 years in industrial procurement, with at least 3 years in a Lead Buyer or Category Manager role, preferably in the chemical/pharmaceutical sectors. Proven experience in OPEX, CAPEX, and packaging procurement is required.
- Technical Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills. Proficiency in procurement tools (SAP, Oracle, Ariba) and financial analysis. Knowledge of industrial processes, packaging technologies, and sustainability standards. Fluent English; additional European languages (French) are a plus.
- Soft Skills: Leadership and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Analytical mindset, results‑driven, and problem‑solving orientation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑cultural collaboration.
Position Location: United Kingdom, England, Middlesbrough
Indirect Procurement Manager M/F/D employer: Seqens
As an Indirect Procurement Manager at our company, you will join a dynamic and innovative team in Middlesbrough, where we prioritise employee growth and development. We offer a collaborative work culture that values sustainability and compliance, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across European sites. Our commitment to continuous improvement and digital transformation ensures that you will be at the forefront of industry advancements while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Manager M/F/D
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've optimised costs or improved supplier relationships. We love hearing about real-life successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Procurement Manager M/F/D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Indirect Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in OPEX and CAPEX procurement, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements in cost optimisation and supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Mention your proficiency in procurement tools like SAP or Oracle, and any experience you have with financial analysis. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates we’re excited to meet!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seqens
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of OPEX and CAPEX procurement. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to optimise costs and manage supplier relationships. This role is all about demonstrating your expertise in industrial procurement, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, especially in the context of industrial packaging or similar sectors. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier terms. This will help illustrate your strong negotiation skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's strategic goals and how procurement fits into that picture. Be ready to discuss how you can align procurement strategies with operational needs and sustainability goals. This shows that you're not just focused on the numbers but also on the overall impact of your work.
✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various teams, prepare to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked with production, logistics, and quality teams to achieve common goals. This will demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive results across departments.
