Buyer - Beauty Packaging

thehutgroup; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful packaging work

Exposure to THG Beauty brands

Fast-paced collaborative team

Job summary

THG is seeking a Buyer for Beauty Packaging to own the packaging critical path and lead development for LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box and GLOSSYBOX launches. You will work closely with Subscriptions Operations to ensure on-time delivery and maintain profitability through smart packaging design and supplier collaboration.

The role involves coordinating packaging with multiple suppliers, reviewing drawings, and guiding decisions on specification changes, while supporting packaging sustainability goals

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, supply chain or project management.
• Track record of managing multi-component critical paths to fixed launch dates.
• Knowledge of a range of sourcing options and what each can do.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships.
• Organised, self-motivated and a real team player.
• Excellent time keeping and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the packaging development and critical path for THG Beauty Box and related launches.
• Match packaging requirements to supplier capabilities and manage supplier relationships.
• Lead packaging projects across THG Beauty brands and share best practices.
• Take new packaging requests and run tenders with clear specifications; track costs and negotiate.
• Support procurement and cost-saving initiatives to protect margins across boxes.

Skills

Packaging experience

Supply chain

Project management

Communication skills

Time management

Detail oriented

Excel

Tools

Excel

Job description

About THG

We are THG, a global ecommerce group on a mission to be the global online leader in beauty and sports nutrition.

Our portfolio of leading retailers and brands such as LOOKFANTASTIC, Myprotein, ESPA, Perricone MD, and Cult Beauty form our two core businesses: THG Beauty and THG Nutrition.

From Manchester to New York, we're powered by a team of over 2500 people who work together, lead by example, and think BIG.

With us, you'll go further, faster. What are you waiting for?

Location: Icon 1, WA15 0AF

About the Beauty Procurement Team

You will join THG Beauty's Procurement team, which sources the products, packaging and services behind the division's brands. The team runs tenders, manages suppliers and negotiates cost, so every brand gets the best production source.

You will work side by side with the Subscriptions Operations team. The Subscriptions team gives customers an exciting selection of essential and new beauty products every month, plus limited edition boxes, at great value. Subscriptions Operations owns the end-to-end supply chain, from moving product from source, through kitting the boxes, to profitable stock management.

Why be a Buyer for Beauty Packaging at THG?

As Procurement's packaging specialist, you will own the packaging critical path for LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box and GLOSSYBOX, delivering every box to its launch date. Working day to day with Subscriptions Operations, you will protect profitability and customer experience through smart packaging design, sourcing and quality control.

You will also lead packaging projects for other THG Beauty brands. Where needed, you will support wider procurement activity across the division.

As a Buyer for Beauty Packaging you will:

Packaging Development and Critical Path

• Own the packaging critical path for every box, working back from launch dates.
• Bring ideas for new packaging designs, constructions and finishes that lift the unboxing experience.
• Review technical drawings, dielines and tooling, and approve them for production.
• Run the sample review process and guide Subscriptions Operations on decisions and specification changes.
• Coordinate packaging with box components from multiple suppliers, so everything lands in time for kitting.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with the Subscriptions team, flagging any change to the critical path early.

Sourcing, Suppliers and Quality

• Recommend the best sourcing route to Subscriptions Operations for each project, based on requirements, cost and timelines.
• Match packaging requirements to each supplier's manufacturing capabilities.
• Manage supplier relationships with a focus on critical path delivery and quality assurance.
• Make sure purchase orders are raised correctly and on time, and confirmed by the supplier.
• Identify, communicate and mitigate risks to quality, product, compliance, cost or key dates.
• Solve problems as they arise and always come with a solution.

Group Packaging Projects

• Lead and support packaging projects for other THG Beauty brands outside Subscriptions.
• Share knowledge and best practice on materials, print and finishing across the group.
• Support packaging sustainability goals, such as material reduction and recyclable substrates.

Procurement Support

• Take new packaging requests from Subscriptions and other brands, and run them through tender with clear specifications.
• Support wider procurement activity where required, including tenders, quote comparison and cost negotiation.
• Track packaging costs and find savings that protect box margins.

What skills and experience do I need for this role?

Essential

• Experience in packaging, supply chain or project management, ideally in beauty, FMCG or retail.
• A track record of managing multi-component critical paths to fixed launch dates.
• Knowledge of a range of sourcing options and what each can do.
• Working knowledge of board, plastics and print and finishing techniques.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships.
• Organised, self-motivated and a real team player.
• Excellent time keeping and attention to detail.
• A proactive problem solver who stays flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.

Desirable

• Experience in beauty packaging, gift sets or subscription boxes.
• Ability to read technical drawings, dielines and tooling designs.
• Experience of procurement, tendering or cost negotiation.
• Knowledge of packaging compliance and sustainable materials.

What we offer

• The chance to shape the packaging behind two of the UK's best-known beauty subscription boxes.
• Exposure to packaging and procurement projects across THG's wider beauty brands.
• A fast-paced, collaborative team where your ideas reach customers every month.

What's in it for me?

Career Development

Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team.

Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in par