Packaging Procurement Manager
Location: Alconbury
Salary: £40,000 + DOE
Hours - fulltime Monday – Friday

Our client is seeking a dynamic and driven Packaging Procurement Manager to take ownership of a fast-moving packaging supply chain and play a pivotal role in supporting a high-growth, high-demand operation. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced commercial environment, enjoys working under pressure, and is energised by constant innovation, tight deadlines, and ever-changing customer requirements.

The successful candidate will lead the sourcing, negotiation, and performance management of packaging suppliers, ensuring materials meet demanding commercial, sustainability, and operational standards. With seasonal peaks, rapid product development, and evolving customer expectations, this role offers challenge, variety, and genuine influence.

Duties

*Build and maintain strong global supplier relationships, driving accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
*Negotiate best-value agreements and secure competitive pricing in a constantly shifting market.
*Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, material efficiencies, and smarter supply solutions.
*Champion sustainable packaging initiatives and support the transition to more environmentally responsible materials.
*Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to identify new technologies, formats, and design improvements.
*Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, customer standards, and brand requirements.
*Maintain accurate supplier data, pricing, specifications, and procurement documentation.
*Develop supplier KPIs and monitor performance, escalating risks and issues when required.
*Solve packaging quality concerns quickly and collaboratively with Technical and Operations.
*Lead packaging planning for major trading peaks such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas—ensuring capacity, timelines, and quality are never compromised.
*Provide detailed forecasts to suppliers and internal teams to ensure seamless production.
*Put robust contingency plans in place to mitigate supply shortages or sudden demand changes.
*Work closely with NPD, Design, Technical, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams to deliver innovative, functional, and cost-effective packaging solutions.
*Support new product launches and packaging changes at pace, ensuring all materials are fit for purpose and production-ready.
The Candidate

*Proven background in procurement or sourcing within packaging, FMCG, or manufacturing.
*Strong negotiator with the ability to influence and challenge suppliers.
*Knowledge of packaging materials such as plastics, films, corrugate, paperboard, and labels.
*Understanding of sustainability standards, recyclability, and packaging legislation.
*Excellent project management and organisational capability in high-pressure environments.
*Confident working with data, cost models, and forecasting.
Desirable

*Experience working through seasonal peaks or rapid product turnaround cycles.
*Exposure to packaging innovation or sustainable material development.
*Familiarity with procurement or ERP systems.