Procurement Specialist

Packaging Buyer Location: Site-based (UK) Salary: £35,000 – £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 at Reed.

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

Reed is working with a well-established and rapidly growing manufacturing business based in Clevedon, North Somerset, which supplies customers across the UK and European markets. Due to continued expansion, they are now looking to recruit a Planning Co‑ordinator to join their Supply Chain team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation with strong values around quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer service. Hours 40 hours per week (08:45 to 16:45 Mon-Thurs, 08:45 to 16:00 Fri) Duties Manage production planning activities accurately and in a timely manner to meet customer requirements Control and manage works orders in line with customer expectations Maintain effective communication across internal departments Identify opportunities for business improvements and best practice within planning processes Support the day-to-day requirements of a fast-paced manufacturing environment Requirements Previous experience in a production planning or similar scheduling role Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook GCSE (or equivalent) Grade B or above in Maths and English Excellent attention to detail with a task-focused approach Strong organisational and time management skills Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment Confident communicator and team player with the ability to work on own initiative Full right to work in the UK Full, clean UK driving licence Benefits: Auto-enrolment Pension Scheme. WPA Healthcare NHS Top-up Scheme (after probation). Death in Service policy of twice basic salary, including Help@Hand Benefits Scheme. Employee Benefits Scheme/Employee Assistance Programme with discounts at major retailers. Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with service and including Christmas shutdown.

Supply Chain Lead Planner Annual Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 Location: Alton, UK Job Type: Full-time Join a leading company in the manufacturing sector as a Supply Chain Lead Planner. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient production and manufacturing processes, particularly in the fast-paced environment of drone detection units and camera housing production. This is a permanent position ideal for someone looking to commit long-term and grow with the company. Day-to-day of the role: Oversee production material planning to ensure alignment with customer needs. Manage stock levels effectively and strategize on replenishment to avoid bottlenecks. Facilitate smooth information sharing and collaboration across manufacturing and logistics departments. Drive process improvements by analyzing current practices and suggesting enhancements. Regular travel to the Isle of Wight to support team leads and alleviate departmental pressures. Maintain rigorous attention to detail given the regulatory and military-focused nature of the products. Required Skills & Qualifications: 3-7 years of experience in supply chain management within a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of MRP systems and proficiency in ERP software such as Oracle, SAP, or Dynamics. Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with different departments and stakeholders. Leadership skills with the ability to mentor others and foster an open, team-oriented culture. Relevant certifications such as APICS or CPIM are highly desirable. Data-driven decision-making capabilities with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Benefits: Competitive salary with annual pay reviews. Opportunity for regular, fully compensated travel to the Isle of Wight. Free parking on-site and proximity to local transport links. Scenic location near a river, ideal for relaxing lunch breaks. Employee assistance program available for support with financial or personal issues. Strong internal promotion culture and opportunities for career advancement within the company. To apply for the Supply Chain Lead Planner position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.

Supply Chain Lead Planner Annual Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 Location: Alton, UK Job Type: Full-time Join a leading company in the manufacturing sector as a Supply Chain Lead Planner. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient production and manufacturing processes, particularly in the fast-paced environment of drone detection units and camera housing production. This is a permanent position ideal for someone looking to commit long-term and grow with the company. Day-to-day of the role: Oversee production material planning to ensure alignment with customer needs. Manage stock levels effectively and strategize on replenishment to avoid bottlenecks. Facilitate smooth information sharing and collaboration across manufacturing and logistics departments. Drive process improvements by analyzing current practices and suggesting enhancements. Regular travel to the Isle of Wight to support team leads and alleviate departmental pressures. Maintain rigorous attention to detail given the regulatory and military-focused nature of the products. Required Skills & Qualifications: 3-7 years of experience in supply chain management within a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of MRP systems and proficiency in ERP software such as Oracle, SAP, or Dynamics. Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with different departments and stakeholders. Leadership skills with the ability to mentor others and foster an open, team-oriented culture. Relevant certifications such as APICS or CPIM are highly desirable. Data-driven decision-making capabilities with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Benefits: Competitive salary with annual pay reviews. Opportunity for regular, fully compensated travel to the Isle of Wight. Free parking on-site and proximity to local transport links. Scenic location near a river, ideal for relaxing lunch breaks. Employee assistance program available for support with financial or personal issues. Strong internal promotion culture and opportunities for career advancement within the company. To apply for the Supply Chain Lead Planner position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.

Materials and Purchasing Controller £35,000 Blackwood About the Role We are seeking an experienced Materials and Purchasing Controller to support a fast-paced manufacturing operation. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials to production, maintaining optimal stock levels, and driving efficient procurement processes. Working closely with production, planning, and operations teams, you will be responsible for aligning supply chain activities with manufacturing demand, minimising downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the site. Key Responsibilities Manage material availability to support production schedules and prevent downtime Oversee inventory control, ensuring accurate stock levels and efficient stock rotation Plan and execute purchasing activities in line with manufacturing demand forecasts Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and performance Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contracts to achieve best value and continuity of supply Monitor material usage, scrap, and variance to identify cost-saving opportunities Collaborate with production and planning teams to align supply with operational requirements Support lean manufacturing principles, including waste reduction and process efficiency Ensure compliance with quality standards, specifications, and relevant regulations Produce regular reporting on stock levels, supplier performance, and purchasing metrics About You Proven experience in a materials, purchasing, or supply chain role within manufacturing Strong understanding of production processes, MRP systems, and inventory control Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with changing priorities Analytical mindset with experience using data to drive decision-making and improvements Experience in supplier negotiations and performance management Sound knowledge of cost control, budgeting, and materials planning Excellent communication skills, able to work cross-functionally with production and operations teams Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field (preferred) What’s on Offer Competitive salary Opportunity to contribute to a high-performing manufacturing operation Involvement in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives Supportive team environment with opportunities for development If you have the skills and experience described above please apply today by clicking the link on this page.

Materials and Purchasing Controller £35,000 Blackwood About the Role We are seeking an experienced Materials and Purchasing Controller to support a fast-paced manufacturing operation. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials to production, maintaining optimal stock levels, and driving efficient procurement processes. Working closely with production, planning, and operations teams, you will be responsible for aligning supply chain activities with manufacturing demand, minimising downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the site. Key Responsibilities Manage material availability to support production schedules and prevent downtime Oversee inventory control, ensuring accurate stock levels and efficient stock rotation Plan and execute purchasing activities in line with manufacturing demand forecasts Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and performance Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contracts to achieve best value and continuity of supply Monitor material usage, scrap, and variance to identify cost-saving opportunities Collaborate with production and planning teams to align supply with operational requirements Support lean manufacturing principles, including waste reduction and process efficiency Ensure compliance with quality standards, specifications, and relevant regulations Produce regular reporting on stock levels, supplier performance, and purchasing metrics About You Proven experience in a materials, purchasing, or supply chain role within manufacturing Strong understanding of production processes, MRP systems, and inventory control Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with changing priorities Analytical mindset with experience using data to drive decision-making and improvements Experience in supplier negotiations and performance management Sound knowledge of cost control, budgeting, and materials planning Excellent communication skills, able to work cross-functionally with production and operations teams Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field (preferred) What’s on Offer Competitive salary Opportunity to contribute to a high-performing manufacturing operation Involvement in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives Supportive team environment with opportunities for development If you have the skills and experience described above please apply today by clicking the link on this page.

A public sector organisation based in Reading is seeking a Procurement Category Officer (Social Value) to join a forward-thinking procurement team. This is a key role where you’ll take the lead on high-value, high-impact procurement projects, shaping category strategies and embedding social value outcomes across the Council’s commissioning activity. You’ll work at the heart of the organisation, partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver commercially robust, compliant, and value-driven procurement solutions that align with wider organisational priorities. This is a permanent position based in Reading with excellent hybrid working (1 day per week in the office) and a salary of £50,000 + excellent benefits. What You’ll Be Doing Leading on procurement category strategies for high-value and high-risk contracts Providing expert commercial and procurement advice to senior stakeholders and directorates Driving the delivery of the Social Value Procurement Strategy Identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and innovation across category spend Leading procurement transformation initiatives and supporting best practice Developing and embedding procurement processes, tools, and governance frameworks Designing and delivering training and guidance to improve procurement capability across the organisation Engaging with external partners and suppliers to maximise social value outcomes About You We’re looking for a commercially minded procurement professional who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You’ll have: Strong experience in public sector procurement or complex commercial environments A solid understanding of UK procurement legislation and regulatory frameworks Experience delivering procurement projects that achieve value for money and broader social outcomes The ability to influence stakeholders and build strong cross-functional relationships Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex procurement concepts clearly Experience supporting or delivering procurement training and guidance A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong organisational skills Qualifications CIPS Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience Contract Management accreditation (or willingness to undertake) Why Join? Play a key role in delivering meaningful social value outcomes for the community Work on high-impact, strategic procurement projects Opportunities to shape and influence procurement transformation Hybrid working and a supportive, collaborative environment Strong focus on professional development and progression

Buying Administrator Permanent role Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Office based in Ipswich Are you highly organised, detail-focused, and confident managing data and processes? We’re looking for a proactive administrator to support our purchasing and operations function in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. What is involved In this varied role, you’ll play a vital part in keeping products moving through the business, supporting purchasing, processing orders, and ensuring information is accurate across systems. Your responsibilities will include: Creating and managing purchase orders, ensuring quantities, pricing, and delivery details are correct Coordinating bulk purchasing requirements alongside customer and promotional orders Using internal systems to manage requisitions and ensure data is accurately uploaded Tracking orders, following up with suppliers, and keeping teams informed of any delays Maintaining accurate supplier agreements and system records Ensuring all documentation is complete and compliant for shipping, traceability, and regulatory purposes Supporting order processing for customers, including confirmations, stock allocation, and invoicing Arranging shipping and liaising with courier services Working closely with internal teams to resolve queries and ensure smooth operations Why you This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys structure, accuracy, and teamwork. You’ll be part of a supportive environment where your contribution directly impacts efficiency and customer satisfaction. We’re looking for someone who brings: Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Confidence working with systems and data (experience with ERP systems is a plus) Solid Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines A professional, reliable, and collaborative approach A positive mindset and willingness to learn In return, you’ll benefit from: A supportive and team-focused culture Opportunities for training and development A varied and engaging role where no two days are the same If you’re ready to take the next step in your administrative career and be part of a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you. If you are interested, please apply or contact Rachel Dunham at Reed Ipswich for more information

Buying Administrator Permanent role Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Office based in Ipswich Are you highly organised, detail-focused, and confident managing data and processes? We’re looking for a proactive administrator to support our purchasing and operations function in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. What is involved In this varied role, you’ll play a vital part in keeping products moving through the business, supporting purchasing, processing orders, and ensuring information is accurate across systems. Your responsibilities will include: Creating and managing purchase orders, ensuring quantities, pricing, and delivery details are correct Coordinating bulk purchasing requirements alongside customer and promotional orders Using internal systems to manage requisitions and ensure data is accurately uploaded Tracking orders, following up with suppliers, and keeping teams informed of any delays Maintaining accurate supplier agreements and system records Ensuring all documentation is complete and compliant for shipping, traceability, and regulatory purposes Supporting order processing for customers, including confirmations, stock allocation, and invoicing Arranging shipping and liaising with courier services Working closely with internal teams to resolve queries and ensure smooth operations Why you This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys structure, accuracy, and teamwork. You’ll be part of a supportive environment where your contribution directly impacts efficiency and customer satisfaction. We’re looking for someone who brings: Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Confidence working with systems and data (experience with ERP systems is a plus) Solid Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines A professional, reliable, and collaborative approach A positive mindset and willingness to learn In return, you’ll benefit from: A supportive and team-focused culture Opportunities for training and development A varied and engaging role where no two days are the same If you’re ready to take the next step in your administrative career and be part of a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you. If you are interested, please apply or contact Rachel Dunham at Reed Ipswich for more information