Head Of Packaging

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking an experienced Packaging Manager for a multi-site operation in Sittingbourne, Kent. You will oversee packaging procurement, warehousing, stock control and materials management, leading a team of circa 40 across four sites.

The role reports to the Operations Director and requires a hands-on leader with strong supplier negotiation, KPI monitoring and ERP proficiency. Salary £65,000-£70,000 DOE, permanent, Monday–Friday, 8:00–17:00.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in FMCG/manufacturing.
• Proven track record in procurement, stock control and warehouse management.
• Strong supplier negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and ERP stock processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop teams across Procurement, Packaging, Warehousing, and Stock Control.
• Procurement of packaging and manage supplier performance, contracts and tenders.
• Oversee stock management, replenishment planning, and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure ERP system accuracy; act as Superuser for stock management.
• Monitor KPIs and stock reports; investigate discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with BRC, Health & Safety, and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement across operations.
• Support training, development, and performance management of team members.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Stock control

Warehouse management

Supplier negotiation

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Packaging Manager

Location: Sittingbourne (Multi-site)

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 DOE

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Job Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Packaging Manager to join a leading manufacturing and supply chain operation across multiple sites in Kent. This senior leadership role offers the chance to oversee packaging procurement, warehousing, stock control, and materials management while leading a team of approximately 40 employees.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will take full responsibility for the procurement, storage, stock management, and distribution of packaging materials across four Kent sites. You will manage packaging budgets, supplier relationships, stock accuracy, and warehouse operations while ensuring exceptional service levels and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop teams across Procurement, Packaging, Warehousing, and Stock Control.
• Manage packaging procurement, supplier performance, contracts, and tenders.
• Oversee stock management, replenishment planning, and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure ERP system accuracy and act as the Superuser for stock management processes.
• Monitor KPIs, stock reports, and investigate discrepancies.
• Maintain compliance with BRC, Health & Safety, and company procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Support training, development, and performance management of team members.

We're looking for a hands-on leader with:

• 5-10 years' experience within FMCG, food production, manufacturing, or produce environments.
• Proven experience managing large operational teams.
• Strong procurement, stock control, and warehouse management expertise.
• Excellent stakeholder management and supplier negotiation skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication abilities.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

If you're an experienced operations or supply chain professional looking to take ownership of a critical business function and drive performance across multiple sites, we'd love to hear from you