Procurement Manager - Packaging/Indirects

The Role

To lead the sourcing and supply of packaging and indirect goods and services across the UK business, ensuring continuity of supply, competitive total cost, appropriate stockholding and effective supplier performance. The role will develop and implement category strategies for packaging, PPE, factory consumables and other indirect spend, working closely with Operations, Technical, Finance, Planning, Engineering, NPD and site teams to support business requirements, innovation and sustainability objectives.

Base Salary Circa £60,000 plus car allowance + bonus and benefits

Accountability

• Develop and implement category strategies for packaging and indirect spend that align with company objectives, operational requirements, customer needs, budgets, sustainability commitments and supply risk appetite.
• Own sourcing, tendering, negotiation and contract activity for allocated categories, evaluating total cost of ownership, service, quality, innovation, payment terms and business risk to secure best overall value.
• Work closely with Planning, Operations and site-based teams to forecast requirements, maintain appropriate stock levels and ensure the availability of packaging, PPE, factory consumables and other critical indirect items.
• Monitor supply, demand and inventory and react quickly to changes, shortages or obsolescence risks, establishing effective contingency plans and alternative sources to protect continuity of production.
• Develop strong, ethical and collaborative supplier relationships; agree measurable service levels and conduct regular performance reviews covering cost, delivery, quality, responsiveness, innovation and corrective actions.
• Ensure suppliers and supplied materials or services comply with agreed specifications, food safety, quality, traceability, ethical sourcing, legal and company standards, working with Technical and other specialists as required.
• Manage packaging changes, trials, artwork transitions and new product or promotional launches with relevant stakeholders, ensuring clear timelines, approvals, stock run-down plans and controlled implementation.
• Prepare and manage category budgets, forecasts and savings plans; track price movements, undertake variance and margin-impact analysis, validate benefits and provide clear, timely procurement reporting.
• Monitor relevant commodity, energy, labour, freight, packaging and supply-market trends to inform negotiations, identify opportunities and communicate emerging cost or continuity risks to stakeholders.
• Support the company’s sustainability agenda by challenging material use, waste and specification, and by working with suppliers and internal teams to identify practical, compliant and commercially viable improvements.

Essentials

• Minimum of 4 years’ procurement experience, with direct responsibility for packaging and/or indirect categories, ideally within chilled food, fresh produce or a similar FMCG environment.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and supplier relationship management skills, with evidence of delivering sustainable cost, service and risk improvements.
• Sound knowledge of packaging specifications, print or artwork processes, supply planning and stock management; CIPS qualification or working towards it is desirable.
• Analytical and financially astute, with the ability to interpret spend, usage, market and supplier performance data and convert insight into clear actions.
• Effective cross-functional communicator and project manager, proficient in ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools, with a practical approach to change and continuous improvement.