At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and purchase packaging components to ensure smooth production.
- Company: Join a friendly, fast-paced operation in a modern distribution centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and free daily lunch.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in supply chain management while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing packaging and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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'll work closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders and the production planning team to keep everything running like clockwork.
What you’ll 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’re 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 Kempston employer: Tate Recruitment
Tate Recruitment is an excellent employer for aspiring IT professionals, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Stevenage, this role provides access to modern technologies and AI tools, along with comprehensive training to help you kickstart your tech career. With a focus on collaboration and a commitment to ensuring a great customer experience, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Inventory Planner / Buyer in Kempston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the packaging and supply chain industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its packaging processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills in inventory planning and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from the interview to remind them of your conversation and reinforce your interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Inventory Planner / Buyer in Kempston
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 background makes you a great fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong communication skills and experience with ERP systems in your application. We’re looking for someone who can confidently liaise with suppliers and manage stock levels effectively, so make sure these skills stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and it helps us keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
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 ERP Systems
Since you'll be working with ERP data, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the systems used in purchasing and inventory management. If you have experience with specific ERP software, be prepared to share examples of how you've used it effectively in past roles.
✨Show Off Your Supplier Management Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or resolved quality issues. Highlight your negotiation skills and any strategies you've implemented to ensure quality and service expectations are met.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions about change management processes. Be ready to discuss how you've handled changes in packaging specifications or supplier transitions, and how you ensured minimal disruption to production.
