Packaging & Procurement Manager

Workforce Recruitment and Training; Evesham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Newly created leadership role

Competitive salary £45k-£50k

Senior leadership exposure

Job summary

Workforce Recruitment and Training is recruiting on behalf of a well-established fresh produce business for an experienced Head of Packaging to lead and develop its packaging function. The role focuses on delivering commercial savings, improving operational efficiency and driving continuous improvement across procurement, technical and supplier management.

You will oversee packaging procurement, inventory management and compliance with EPR, PPT and BRC requirements, working with Operations,

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging procurement and supplier management.
• Experience negotiating contracts and delivering cost savings.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials and stock management.
• Commercially aware with budgeting and performance management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Leadership experience developing teams.
• Desirable knowledge of EPR, PPT and BRC requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the packaging function across purchasing, technical and operational activities.
• Manage packaging procurement, supplier relationships, contracts and negotiations.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Oversee packaging inventory, forecasting and material availability for operations.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce waste and optimise packaging processes.
• Ensure compliance with packaging legislation (EPR, PPT) and BRC standards.
• Monitor packaging costs, supplier performance and key KPIs.
• Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance and Technical teams.
• Support packaging development projects, innovation and automation opportunities.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to the packaging team.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

Data analysis

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Ready to take ownership of a packaging function and drive commercial savings, operational efficiency and continuous improvement?

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing fresh produce business for an experienced Head of Packaging to lead and develop its packaging function. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who enjoys improving processes, developing supplier relationships and delivering measurable improvements within a fast-paced environment.

You’ll be responsible for overseeing packaging procurement, technical compliance, inventory management and operational performance. Working closely with Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance and Technical teams, you’ll play a key role in improving efficiency, controlling costs and ensuring packaging materials meet the highest standards of quality, compliance and customer requirements.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and developing the packaging function to deliver outstanding performance across purchasing, technical and operational activities.
• Managing packaging procurement, supplier relationships, contracts and commercial negotiations.
• Identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality, service and compliance.
• Overseeing packaging inventory, stock forecasting and material availability to support operational requirements.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency and optimise packaging processes.
• Ensuring packaging compliance with relevant legislation, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), BRC and customer standards.
• Monitoring packaging costs, supplier performance and key operational KPIs.
• Working closely with internal departments to improve planning, stock management and supply chain performance.
• Supporting packaging development projects, innovation and opportunities for automation and digitalisation.
• Providing leadership, coaching and support to build an engaged, high-performing packaging team.

About You

• Has previous management experience within packaging, procurement, supply chain or a similar operational environment.
• Has proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts and delivering commercial cost savings.
• Has a strong understanding of packaging materials, stock management and procurement processes.
• Is commercially aware with experience managing budgets, costs and operational performance.
• Is confident analysing data, monitoring KPIs and using information to drive decision making.
• Has experience leading and developing teams.
• Has excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Is highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Has experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or fresh produce (desirable).
• Has knowledge of packaging legislation, EPR, Plastic Packaging Tax and BRC requirements (desirable).
• Whether you've worked as a Head of Packaging, Packaging Manager, Packaging Procurement Manager, Senior Packaging Buyer, Packaging Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Manager, we'd love to hear from you.

What's On Offer

• Salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a newly created leadership role.
• Scope to shape and develop the packaging function.
• Opportunity to deliver meaningful commercial and operational improvements.
• Varied and rewarding role within an established fresh produce business.
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence business performance.