Graduate Purchasing Executive

Overview

The Graduate Procurement Executive role (Packaging) offers an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to developing and delivering customer and business focused packaging solutions that enhance product performance and customer experience.

Reporting directly to the Packaging Procurement and Development Manager and working closely with colleagues across the business including Product Development, Manufacturing, Engineering and Marketing, you will support and lead a broad cross section of stimulating, challenging and varied projects to further improve our sustainability position, deliver cost savings, drive continuous improvement and create competitive advantage.

You will be involved at various stages of the packaging development process from concept through to launch including ideation, concept development and performance trials.

A bespoke programme of packaging specific training will be provided including in-house training, a formal external packaging course and supplier visits.

We are looking for someone who has the drive and passion to make a positive impact through innovative thinking, a commitment to continuous improvement and a genuine interest in packaging.

apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

• Packaging Procurement Strategy: Support the Packaging Procurement and Development Manager with the sourcing and procurement of packaging materials, ensuring alignment with business objectives around cost, quality, sustainability, and innovation.
• Technical Packaging Development: Provide support in the design, testing, and implementation of new packaging solutions, including managing production and transit trials, to ensure fitness for purpose and optimisation for manufacturing.
• Packaging Improvement & Cost Savings: Identify and deliver improvements to existing packaging formats that enhance performance, reduce cost, or improve customer experience. Proactively propose new technologies and materials that deliver value and competitive advantage.
• Project & Programme Delivery: Plan, manage, and deliver packaging projects in collaboration with the Packaging Development Manager and cross-functional teams (NPD, Manufacturing, Engineering and Marketing), ensuring timelines and stakeholder expectations are met.
• Supplier Management: Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and ongoing relationship management to ensure high performance, compliance, and alignment with apetito’s sustainability and quality standards.
• Procurement Process & Contracting: Oversee the preparation and control of packaging related procurement documents and tenders, including contracts, specifications and supplier agreements.
• Cost & Market Analysis: Monitor market trends in packaging materials and manufacturing to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimise spend, and negotiate favourable commercial terms with suppliers.
• Sustainability & Compliance: Support apetito’s sustainability targets by sourcing environmentally responsible packaging solutions and ensuring all packaging complies with relevant legislation, BRC standards, and internal policies.
• Industry & Trend Awareness: Stay informed of emerging packaging trends, technologies, and regulations to drive innovation and maintain apetito’s position as a leader in sustainable food packaging.

Essential

• 2:1 Degree within the last two years
• Interest in working in Packaging within a Food manufacturing environment
• Ability to build relationships with a diverse team of people
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and good IT skills
• Able to interpret data confidently
• Good communication and interpersonal skills (Written and verbal)
• Presentation skills
• Valid UK driving license

Desirable

• Degree in Engineering, Product Design Technology, Manufacturing or Food Technology
• Previous experience in a food or…