Packaging & Procurement Manager

Evesham, Worcestershire | Full-time | Permanent

£45,000 - £50,000 per annum + Benefits

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.

• 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.

We're looking for someone who:

• 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.

• Salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• 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.