Packaging Buyer
Northamptonshire
£35,000 – £40,000 per annum + Comprehensive Benefits
Food Manufacturing / FMCG
The Opportunity
Are you an ambitious, commercially sharp Buyer looking to make a genuine impact within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment?
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading UK food manufacturer that owns and manages its entire supply chain, supplying the UK’s major supermarkets and high-street restaurants. Operating across multiple major UK sites, this inclusive and forward-thinking business is looking for a proactive Packaging Buyer to join its established Procurement team in Northampton.
The Role
Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you’ll take ownership of identifying, sourcing, and procuring packaging solutions across both retail and foodservice product lines. Your focus will be on category optimisation, supplier performance, cost management, and continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
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Build, manage, and strengthen long-term relationships with preferred packaging suppliers.
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Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, terms, and conditions, setting up robust contracts and supply agreements.
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Conduct spend, contract, and market analysis across the packaging category, presenting insights to senior stakeholders across the wider business.
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Collaborate closely with manufacturing sites to manage lead times and Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), guaranteeing continuity of supply while minimising wastage.
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Source innovative packaging and new suppliers in full compliance with retailer, ethical, and environmental standards and legislation.
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Partner with New Product Development (NPD) and Technical teams to ensure seamless supplier approval and uncompromised product integrity.
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Monitor raw material and commodity markets within the packaging supply chain to anticipate cost movements and mitigate supply risks.
Your Skills & Experience
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Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a procurement or buying role, ideally with exposure to packaging.
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Studying towards (or holding) a CIPS qualification is advantageous.
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Strong negotiation, tendering, and contract management skills backed by solid analytical capability.
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Ability to spot market trends, with an understanding of packaging raw materials/commodities (desirable) and risk management.
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Confident presenter capable of influencing and collaborating with cross-functional teams at all levels under pressure.
What’s on Offer
Alongside a competitive salary of £35,000 – £40,000, you will receive an impressive benefits package, including , Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (tax-efficient way to lease a new vehicle), 31 days holiday allowance, 6% employer pension contribution and lots more
