Vacancies

PACKAGING BUYER

£55,000 - £65,000

Scope

Main purpose of the role:

As Packaging Buyer, you will manage, drive, coordinate and oversee the purchasing of goods, raw materials and equipment, overseas as well as domestic, to ensure that the company’s operational needs are met. You will be responsible for driving account price benchmarking, quality and service delivery to ensure continuity of supply.

You will ensure you get the best value for money, working with key colleagues to ensure that the company is holding the right amount of stock, balancing consignment and onsite stock, ensuring correct suppliers are in place to deliver the goods and services needed.  You will drive cost savings and continuous improvement whilst maintaining technically compliant supply.

As a CIPS qualified, or partially qualified expert, You will need to consider the legal aspects of buying and understand the needs and processes of the business. You will maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products or gaps in the market as well as part of any ongoing tendering/contract renewal processes. You will lead a buying team, but you will have your own experience in sourcing from international markets including Europe and the Far east

You will process requisitions and update management on the status of orders, liaising with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed.

Responsibilities

Specific Role Responsibilities

As Packaging Buyer, you will be working Monday to Friday, to:

• Research, analyse and forecast current and future buying trends, commodity markets, styles and products with attention to specified target and demographics
• Researching new markets, products and manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on sustainability
• Identifying quality standards and ensuring that all products meet those standards
• Collating customer feedback via the Sales Team
• Negotiating with suppliers to agree prices, quantities, delivery schedules and exclusivity deals
• Ensure all required legislation and requirements are met in line with import/export and post Brexit requirements
• Develop and maintain relationships with wholesalers and suppliers
• Negotiate terms of contract with wholesalers and suppliers
• Oversee administration of all agreements
• Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets
• Responsible for leading and mentoring a team of 2 buyers
• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation
• Check performance, quality and legal compliance of your suppliers and facilitate the solving of any problems that occur
• Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements
• Cover and support Production Planning as and when needed by supporting the development of the production plans and schedules and use the MPS/MRP systems.
• Support the implementation of Key Projects
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures
• Conduct research for new components and suppliers
• Work with suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues
• Look to drive a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation, with an emphasis on embracing technology to maximise efficiency
• Ensure housekeeping within work area is maintained at the highest level ensuring adherence to required standards at all times
• Ensure and maintain a safe working environment by adherence to HSE requirements
• To carry out or assist with any duties as deemed necessary in connection with the business

• To monitor and develop own skills and those of team members in line with business needs
• Performance measurement and management including absence management and individual development

Key Relationships:

• Suppliers & Supply Chain Stakeholders
• Planning Team
• Finance Team
• Production Teams
• Commercial & Sales Teams

• Support Functions

Knowledge/ Skills/ Experience

Essential

Desirable

• Previous experience in dealing with the Far East
• Management of team
• Experience in a similar role, including import/export and post Brexit requirements
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and achieve set targets
• Previous experience of working in a purchasing team preferably within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• An aptitude for figures and the ability to manage a budget
• Financial and accounting knowledge for calculating margins, gross profit and discounts
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and other stock management software and systems
• Excellent attention to detail and high standards for quality control
• Planning experience with MPS/MRP

• Degree or equivalent in Business, Accounting or Supply Chain