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 at Reed.