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- Tasks: Plan and purchase packaging components to ensure smooth production.
- Company: Join a friendly, fast-paced team at a modern distribution centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and free daily lunch.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth with a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in packaging while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing packaging and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
12-Month Maternity Cover - Full Time
Location: Kempston
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Are you a proactive and organised supply chain professional with a passion for all things packaging? My client is seeking a Packaging Inventory Planner/Buyer to join their friendly and fast‑paced operation on a 12‑month maternity contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring production runs smoothly by planning, purchasing and managing a diverse range of packaging components. Based at their modern Warehousing & Distribution Centre in Kempston, you will work closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders and the production planning team to keep everything running like clockwork.
What you will be doing
- Planning
- Manage stock levels for a defined range of packaging components to support production schedules.
- Maintain accurate ERP data, including item codes, product structures and new component setups.
- Plan the introduction of new packaging while minimising waste and residual stock.
- Support the resolution of supplier quality or service issues.
- Oversee third‑party consignment processes.
- Purchasing
- Raise purchase orders for packaging components using MRP insights and business requirements.
- Liaise with suppliers to ensure quality, service and delivery expectations are met.
- Negotiate pricing and lead times in exceptional circumstances.
- Monitor market trends, risks and opportunities within your category.
- Work with the Packaging Manager to develop and support category strategies.
- Maintain supplier relationship management (SRM) data.
- Specifications & Documentation
- Create and maintain packaging specifications within the Company Document Management System.
- Support artwork revisions and ensure correct packaging codes are applied.
- Secure and upload supplier approvals.
- Assist in maintaining the Component Change Log.
- Contribute to supplier performance measurement and rating.
- General Responsibilities
- Own relevant Change Controls for your category.
- Support monthly and ad‑hoc reporting.
- Maintain packaging documents within internal systems.
- Participate in NPD handover meetings regarding packaging needs.
- Provide cover for packaging waste reporting, month‑end tasks, consignment processes and redundant stock.
- Work with the Supplier Relationship Manager on packaging‑related projects.
What we are looking for
- Experience purchasing packaging components in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with suppliers.
- Experience using ERP‑based purchasing systems.
- Supplier management experience.
- A detail‑focused, commercially aware and self‑motivated mindset.
- Experience with pharmaceutical packaging (aluminium, glass, closures) would be an advantage.
- Familiarity with change management processes.
What’s in it for you?
- Alongside a competitive salary, my client offers an impressive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally:
- Annual salary review plus annual company bonus
- 25 days holiday, with 4 days allocated for Christmas closure, plus bank holidays
- Matched pension scheme at 5% (rising to 6% after 5 years' service, salary exchange)
- Life Assurance at 4x basic salary
- Free daily lunch, plus complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments
- Free onsite parking
If this feels like the right opportunity for you, please APPLY NOW.
Packaging Inventory Planner / Buyer in England employer: Tate Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tate Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Inventory Planner / Buyer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and packaging industry. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its packaging processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Packaging Inventory Planner/Buyer, you’ll need to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Inventory Planner / Buyer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Packaging Inventory Planner/Buyer role. Highlight your experience with purchasing packaging components and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about packaging and how your proactive approach can help us keep production running smoothly. Don’t forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to the role.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be liaising with suppliers and internal teams, it's important to showcase your strong communication skills. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or resolved issues in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate Recruitment
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging components, especially those relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Be ready to discuss specific materials like aluminium and glass, and how they impact production and quality.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be liaising with suppliers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your negotiation skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated pricing or lead times, and think about how you can apply those strategies in this role.
✨Showcase Your ERP Expertise
Familiarise yourself with ERP systems, as they are key to managing stock levels and purchase orders. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've used them to maintain accurate data and support production schedules.
✨Be Ready for Change Management Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions around change management processes. Think of instances where you've successfully managed changes in inventory or supplier relationships, and be ready to share how you navigated those challenges.