Packaging Manager (Fresh Produce)

Interpersonnel UK Limited; Kings Hill; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Packaging Manager to lead the product packaging process. This role involves managing packaging tracking, supplier negotiations, and ensuring compliance with various standards. The ideal candidate has proven experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills. Flexible hybrid work model with competitive benefits, including 25 days holiday and Bupa healthcare.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 17% total pension contributions

Bupa healthcare cover

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a planning and packaging procurement role.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build supplier relationships.
• High level of computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the entire product packaging process.
• Manage IFCO and EPS tracking and management.
• Negotiate with suppliers for best pricing and terms.

Skills

Proven experience in a planning and packaging procurement role

Strong negotiation skills and ability to build supplier relationships

High level of computer literacy

Proficient in data accuracy and reporting

Excellent commercial acumen

Job description

Overview

Packaging Manager- Fresh Produce

Location: Kings Hill, Kent. Hybrid working model with some occasional travel to Essex.

Type: Full-time | Permanent

Role

Are you ready to take full ownership of a brand-new role with real autonomy? We're looking for a Packaging Manager to lead and oversee our entire product packaging process—from supplier negotiations to sustainability initiatives. A key part of this role involves managing IFCO and EPS tray tracking, providing real-time visibility of deliveries from growers and overseeing tray movements and schedules. Enabling better inventory control, faster issue resolution, increased transparency, and ensuring audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of IFCO and EPS tracking and management
• Manage and control packaging and trays budgets
• Maintain optimum stock levels for packaging and consumables
• Provide real-time delivery tracking from growers and manage tray movements and schedules
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best pricing and terms
• Track KPIs including packaging waste and consumption trends
• Manage depot packaging stock and verify CFUK retailers' packaging stock
• Engage with packaging innovations and new product development to reduce costs and waste
• Oversee packaging supplier relationships, specifications, certifications, and customer requirements
• Ensure compliance with legal, food safety, organic, Fairtrade, ethical, and environmental standards
• Maintain continuity of supply for all packaging materials and processes

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a planning and packaging procurement role
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build supplier relationships
• High level of computer literacy
• Proficient in data accuracy and reporting
• Excellent commercial acumen, which encompasses strong financial knowledge

Benefits

• Salary- £(phone number removed) per annum
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Up to 17% total pension contributions
• 10 x basic salary life assurance
• Bupa healthcare cover

About this agency and applicant information

Interpersonnel Recruitment is operating as an Employment Agency for our client for this particular role. By applying you give consent for your data to be handled and processed under GDPR Legislation for the purpose of your current employment search.

We ask that all applicants already have Right to Work UK documentation in place and on file.

We are pleased to receive a significant number of applications for most roles advertised. We are therefore unable to respond to individual applicants unless shortlisted. If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date you should assume you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

Interpersonnel is an equal opportunities employer. All our current vacancies are on our website - search “Interpersonnel UK Ltd”