Packaging Manager
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Packaging Manager to take responsibility for the end-to-end supply and procurement of packaging materials within a fast-paced fresh produce and FMCG environment.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring packaging is available accurately, efficiently and on time to support retailer orders and packhouse operations. They will manage supplier relationships, forecasting, stock, pricing, contracts, artwork and packaging compliance, while identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings and continuous improvement.
The Role
The Packaging Manager will:
- Manage the end-to-end supply of packaging to meet business demand.
- Forecast packaging requirements and manage stock levels and replenishment.
- Source, select and manage packaging supply partners.
- Negotiate supply agreements, contracts and pricing arrangements.
- Manage scheduling to ensure critical launch dates, budgets and quality requirements are achieved.
- Work closely with packaging suppliers, packhouses and internal stakeholders to maintain effective stock levels.
- Track and report packaging stock values, costs and commercial impacts.
- Manage the packaging artwork approval process.
- Drive packaging innovation and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Review KPIs with external stakeholders to improve performance and efficiencies.
- Undertake sector analysis and market research to identify trends, benchmark pricing and mitigate commercial and technical risks.
- Ensure packaging information, specifications and compliance records remain accurate and up to date.
- Ensure packaging complies with relevant BRC requirements, retail legislation, specifications and other applicable regulations.
About the Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and commercially focused Packaging Manager with at least three years’ experience within an FMCG environment.
They will have:
- Strong knowledge of rigid and flexible plastics, carton board, labels and corrugate, including relevant print and production methods.
- Proven experience managing packaging supply and influencing supplier performance.
- Strong sourcing and negotiation skills.
- Experience across forecasting, contract management, stock management and innovation.
- Excellent planning, project management and problem-solving capabilities.
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet time-critical deadlines.
- Experience managing direct reports, multidisciplinary stakeholders and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and presentation skills.
- Experience with MRP and ERP systems would be advantageous.
- Excellent numerical and commercial capability with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A self-motivated, organised and resilient approach, combined with a curious, helpful and pioneering mindset.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity for a packaging professional to take ownership of a strategically important area within a dynamic FMCG and fresh produce environment. The role offers the chance to influence supplier strategy, packaging innovation, commercial performance and operational efficiency while working closely with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
The position is full-time and requires a full UK driving licence and access to a car. UK and overseas travel to suppliers, customers and group companies may also be required.
If you are an experienced Packaging Manager looking for a role where you can make a genuine commercial and operational impact, this could be an excellent next step.
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