Category Manager

Packaging Buyer Location: South Manchester Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience) Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (40 hours) The Opportunity An established and growing food manufacturing business is looking to appoint a Packaging Buyer to join its procurement team. This is a key operational role, ensuring the consistent supply of packaging materials to support production while delivering strong commercial value and maintaining high quality and compliance standards. You’ll collaborate across multiple departments including Production, Planning, Technical, and Commercial teams, playing a central role in supplier management, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Manage the sourcing and purchasing of packaging materials such as films, labels, cartons, sleeves, and cases Ensure materials are available in line with production schedules and stock requirements Raise and manage purchase orders while maintaining accurate data within ERP systems Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, ensuring high service levels and reliability Negotiate pricing, contracts, and lead times to achieve cost efficiencies Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness Mitigate supply risks through contingency planning and alternative sourcing strategies Work closely with technical teams to ensure compliance with food safety, legal, and customer requirements Maintain accurate packaging specifications and supplier documentation Support new product launches and packaging changes, including artwork updates and trials Align purchasing activity with demand forecasts and production planning Track usage trends to optimise stock levels and reduce waste Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including reducing environmental impact and improving recyclability Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities across packaging and supply processes About You Experience in a procurement or buying role, ideally within FMCG or food manufacturing Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness Experience purchasing packaging materials is highly advantageous Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities Comfortable working cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, particularly around specifications and compliance Good working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Excel Understanding of packaging regulations and industry standards Ability to interpret forecasts and translate them into effective purchasing plans Personal Attributes Proactive and solutions-oriented Calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders High level of accountability and ownership Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and cost control What’s On Offer Competitive salary package Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service Additional leave for special occasions Health and wellbeing support Enhanced family leave policies Company pension scheme Employee perks and engagement initiatives On-site parking ​​​​​​​Apply Now If you’re a driven procurement professional looking to make a real impact in a growing manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you - please contact Adam Norris or Callum Jackson at Reed.

Packaging Buyer Location: South Manchester Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience) Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (40 hours) The Opportunity An established and growing food manufacturing business is looking to appoint a Packaging Buyer to join its procurement team. This is a key operational role, ensuring the consistent supply of packaging materials to support production while delivering strong commercial value and maintaining high quality and compliance standards. You’ll collaborate across multiple departments including Production, Planning, Technical, and Commercial teams, playing a central role in supplier management, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Manage the sourcing and purchasing of packaging materials such as films, labels, cartons, sleeves, and cases Ensure materials are available in line with production schedules and stock requirements Raise and manage purchase orders while maintaining accurate data within ERP systems Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, ensuring high service levels and reliability Negotiate pricing, contracts, and lead times to achieve cost efficiencies Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness Mitigate supply risks through contingency planning and alternative sourcing strategies Work closely with technical teams to ensure compliance with food safety, legal, and customer requirements Maintain accurate packaging specifications and supplier documentation Support new product launches and packaging changes, including artwork updates and trials Align purchasing activity with demand forecasts and production planning Track usage trends to optimise stock levels and reduce waste Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including reducing environmental impact and improving recyclability Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities across packaging and supply processes About You Experience in a procurement or buying role, ideally within FMCG or food manufacturing Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness Experience purchasing packaging materials is highly advantageous Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities Comfortable working cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, particularly around specifications and compliance Good working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Excel Understanding of packaging regulations and industry standards Ability to interpret forecasts and translate them into effective purchasing plans Personal Attributes Proactive and solutions-oriented Calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders High level of accountability and ownership Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and cost control What’s On Offer Competitive salary package Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service Additional leave for special occasions Health and wellbeing support Enhanced family leave policies Company pension scheme Employee perks and engagement initiatives On-site parking ​​​​​​​Apply Now If you’re a driven procurement professional looking to make a real impact in a growing manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you - please contact Adam Norris or Callum Jackson at Reed.

Interim Contracts Manager Location: UK (Hybrid/Remote options may be available) Contract Type: Interim / Temporary Sector: Public Sector Rate: £215 PAYE to £270 Umbrella About the Role We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Interim Contracts Manager to join our client. This is a key role supporting the negotiation, drafting, and management of complex contracts with purchasers and research collaborators. You will play an integral part in ensuring contractual arrangements are robust, compliant, and aligned with organisational and local requirements, while providing expert guidance to senior stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Lead and support the negotiation of contracts with purchasers and research partners on behalf of the client Draft, review, and execute contracts ensuring they meet professional standards Develop bespoke contractual agreements tailored to local operational needs Provide expert advice to Senior Managers on complex contractual and commercial issues Work autonomously on a broad range of contracts, with escalation support from the Senior Contracts Manager for highly complex matters About You Proven experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and management, ideally within public sector Strong understanding of commercial contract principles Ability to interpret and advise on complex contractual terms Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Highly organised with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment Why Join? Engage in meaningful work supporting patient care and research Flexible working arrangements (where applicable) Competitive interim rates

Interim Contracts Manager Location: UK (Hybrid/Remote options may be available) Contract Type: Interim / Temporary Sector: Public Sector Rate: £215 PAYE to £270 Umbrella About the Role We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Interim Contracts Manager to join our client. This is a key role supporting the negotiation, drafting, and management of complex contracts with purchasers and research collaborators. You will play an integral part in ensuring contractual arrangements are robust, compliant, and aligned with organisational and local requirements, while providing expert guidance to senior stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Lead and support the negotiation of contracts with purchasers and research partners on behalf of the client Draft, review, and execute contracts ensuring they meet professional standards Develop bespoke contractual agreements tailored to local operational needs Provide expert advice to Senior Managers on complex contractual and commercial issues Work autonomously on a broad range of contracts, with escalation support from the Senior Contracts Manager for highly complex matters About You Proven experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and management, ideally within public sector Strong understanding of commercial contract principles Ability to interpret and advise on complex contractual terms Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Highly organised with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment Why Join? Engage in meaningful work supporting patient care and research Flexible working arrangements (where applicable) Competitive interim rates

As Group Procurement Manager you will hold strategic ownership of all procurement activity across the group's two operating divisions, a specialist manufacturing business and a construction business delivering projects. You will have responsibility for supplier and subcontractor relationships, credit management and payment controls, strategic sourcing and due diligence alongside cross divisional procurrent operations. Proven ability to negotiate, draft and manage commercial agreements including supplier contracts is essential, including performance SLAs across manufacturing and construction environments. Qualified to CIPS Level 6 would be ideal but not essential.

Role: Purchasing Admin Support Location: Bury Type: Permanent Salary: £25,000-28,000 (Dependent on experience) Hours: Monday- Friday --- 9am-5pm with 1 hour lunch Reed are currently recruiting for a fantastic company based in Bury who are looking to recruiting a forward thinking Purchasing Administrator to join their team on a full time The successful candidate will be responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the purchasing facility. The role is responsible for processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, tracking deliveries, resolving invoice queries and supporting cost-effective purchasing practices while ensuring compliance with company procedures. Responsibilities Assist the Head of Sales and Purchasing with the day to day running of the purchasing function Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner Update and amend prices on the internal system as needed Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, lead times and delivery schedules Maintain accurate supplier records and procurement documentation Monitor outstanding orders and follow up on delayed deliveries Support stock control and inventory management where applicable Liaise with all departments within the organisation to ensure purchase of vehicles is carried out effectively Chase any outstanding invoices with manufacturers and suppliers Build effective working relationships with internal departments and external suppliers Knowledge and Skills IT skills within the Microsoft office suite Strong administrative and organisational skills Ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads in order to meet business demands Excellent communication skills at all levels within the organisation Attention to detail with excellent numeracy, analytical skills Ability to problem solve in relation to the delivery of vehicles Build strong relationships with suppliers Benefits: Employee discount On-site parking Car ownership scheme Private dental insurance Private medical insurance This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great company so don’t wait around get in touch!

Role: Purchasing Admin Support Location: Bury Type: Permanent Salary: £25,000-28,000 (Dependent on experience) Hours: Monday- Friday --- 9am-5pm with 1 hour lunch Reed are currently recruiting for a fantastic company based in Bury who are looking to recruiting a forward thinking Purchasing Administrator to join their team on a full time The successful candidate will be responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the purchasing facility. The role is responsible for processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, tracking deliveries, resolving invoice queries and supporting cost-effective purchasing practices while ensuring compliance with company procedures. Responsibilities Assist the Head of Sales and Purchasing with the day to day running of the purchasing function Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner Update and amend prices on the internal system as needed Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, lead times and delivery schedules Maintain accurate supplier records and procurement documentation Monitor outstanding orders and follow up on delayed deliveries Support stock control and inventory management where applicable Liaise with all departments within the organisation to ensure purchase of vehicles is carried out effectively Chase any outstanding invoices with manufacturers and suppliers Build effective working relationships with internal departments and external suppliers Knowledge and Skills IT skills within the Microsoft office suite Strong administrative and organisational skills Ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads in order to meet business demands Excellent communication skills at all levels within the organisation Attention to detail with excellent numeracy, analytical skills Ability to problem solve in relation to the delivery of vehicles Build strong relationships with suppliers Benefits: Employee discount On-site parking Car ownership scheme Private dental insurance Private medical insurance This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great company so don’t wait around get in touch!

Role: Purchasing Admin Support Location: Bury Type: Permanent Salary: £25,000-28,000 (Dependent on experience) Hours: Monday- Friday --- 9am-5pm with 1 hour lunch Reed are currently recruiting for a fantastic company based in Bury who are looking to recruiting a forward thinking Purchasing Administrator to join their team on a full time The successful candidate will be responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the purchasing facility. The role is responsible for processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, tracking deliveries, resolving invoice queries and supporting cost-effective purchasing practices while ensuring compliance with company procedures. Responsibilities Assist the Head of Sales and Purchasing with the day to day running of the purchasing function Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner Update and amend prices on the internal system as needed Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, lead times and delivery schedules Maintain accurate supplier records and procurement documentation Monitor outstanding orders and follow up on delayed deliveries Support stock control and inventory management where applicable Liaise with all departments within the organisation to ensure purchase of vehicles is carried out effectively Chase any outstanding invoices with manufacturers and suppliers Build effective working relationships with internal departments and external suppliers Knowledge and Skills IT skills within the Microsoft office suite Strong administrative and organisational skills Ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads in order to meet business demands Excellent communication skills at all levels within the organisation Attention to detail with excellent numeracy, analytical skills Ability to problem solve in relation to the delivery of vehicles Build strong relationships with suppliers Benefits: Employee discount On-site parking Car ownership scheme Private dental insurance Private medical insurance This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great company so don’t wait around get in touch!

Procurement Specialist Also suitable for: Senior Buyer / Strategic Buyer / Procurement Manager 📍 Leatherhead (Hybrid – 3 days onsite / 2 days WFH) 💰 £30–£33 per hour PAYE (Umbrella also available) 📅 3-Month Assignment (Potential Extension) ⏰ Full-time | Monday–Friday 🚀 Join a High-Growth Manufacturing Business An innovative and rapidly scaling UK manufacturer is looking for an experienced Procurement / Supply Chain Specialist to support a key phase of growth as production volumes increase. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a high-impact contract role, where you will take ownership of supplier relationships, lead commercial negotiations, and drive cost efficiencies across the supply chain. 🔍 Why Apply? Join a business in a rapid scaling phase High level of autonomy and ownership Opportunity to influence procurement strategy and supplier performance Work closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams 🧩 Key Responsibilities Own end-to-end procurement activities for a defined commodity area Manage purchasing, inventory levels, and supply continuity Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships Lead complex negotiations (pricing, contracts, risk mitigation) Drive cost reduction initiatives and commercial improvements Conduct supplier performance reviews and improvement plans Lead sourcing activity (RFI/RFQ through to contract award) Identify and onboard new suppliers aligned to business needs Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and quality teams Continuously improve procurement processes and operational efficiency ✅ Key Requirements 5+ years’ procurement / supply chain experience (manufacturing essential, automotive ideal) Strong negotiation and supplier management experience Proven ability to analyse and challenge supplier pricing Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills Experience working with ERP systems Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment Flexibility to travel to suppliers where required 🎯 Ideal Candidate Profile You are a commercially driven procurement professional who thrives in fast-paced, scaling environments. You enjoy taking ownership, influencing suppliers, and delivering measurable value through strategic sourcing and cost optimisation.

An established and growing manufacturing business is looking to appoint a Supply Chain Planner to play a key role in supporting production efficiency and operational performance. This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone with planning experience who is keen to develop their career within a structured and supportive environment. Key Responsibilities: Manage and coordinate production material planning in line with customer demand Monitor and control stock levels, ensuring effective replenishment strategies are in place Work collaboratively with production, logistics, and wider operational teams Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain processes Provide support across multiple operational sites as required (occasional travel involved) Ensure high levels of accuracy and compliance within a regulated manufacturing environment About You: Previous experience in a supply chain, production planning, or materials planning role Background within a manufacturing or production environment Strong knowledge of MRP / ERP systems Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Ability to work proactively, analyse data, and solve problems effectively Experience supporting or mentoring colleagues would be advantageous Professional certifications (e.g. APICS/CPIM) are desirable but not essential What’s on Offer: Competitive salary with regular salary reviews Expenses-covered travel where required On-site parking and good transport links Employee Assistance Programme Clear opportunities for career progression and internal development Supportive and collaborative working environment