Packaging Buyer

Role Description:

The Packaging Buyer sources, purchases, and manages packaging materials for production and packing operations, ensuring they are available in the right quantity, at the right time and specification, and at the best commercial value.

Working closely with Production, Technical, Planning, and suppliers, the Packaging Buyer will manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and contracts, ensure compliance with food safety and retailer standards, and drive continuous improvement in packaging performance, cost, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase all packaging materials required to support production schedules, including film, labels, cartons, sleeves, cases, and specialist packaging formats.
• Having a thorough understanding relative packaging markets and impact on pricing.
• Raise purchase orders and manage supplier deliveries in line with agreed lead times and stock requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging suppliers, ensuring high levels of service and performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreements to deliver best value and cost control.
• Manage supplier performance including quality, delivery accuracy, and responsiveness.
• Ensure supply continuity through effective risk management, contingency planning, and dual sourcing where appropriate, while avoiding overstock and waste
• Work closely with Technical/QA teams to ensure packaging meets food safety, legality, and customer specification requirements.
• Ensure packaging compliance with relevant standards including BRC, ISO, traceability, allergen controls, and labelling regulations.
• Coordinate packaging changes and new packaging introductions in line with customer requirements.
• Ensure packaging documentation is accurate and up to date, including specifications and supplier certifications.
• Collaborate with planning to align purchasing with demand forecasts and production plans.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data and stock records within the ERP system.
• Monitor usage trends and manage order quantities to minimise excess stock and waste.
• Identify potential risks to supply and escalate issues early to minimise disruption.
• Support packaging rationalisation and standardisation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce complexity.
• Contribute to sustainability projects, including reducing plastic use, improving recyclability, and supporting responsible sourcing.
• Support CI projects aimed at improving packaging quality, line efficiency, and performance.
• Support Production by ensuring packaging availability and resolving urgent supply issues.
• Work closely with Commercial and Customer teams to support new product launches, customer changes, and seasonal demand.
  

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate must have:

• Proven experience in a Buyer / Procurement role, ideally within FMCG or food manufacturing (experience within dairy is desirable).
• Strong commercial awareness with proven ability to negotiate and manage supplier relationships.
• Experience purchasing packaging materials (film, cartons, labels, cases, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple demands.
• Project management skills dealing with multiple business departments.
• Ability to interpret forecasts and plan purchasing activity accordingly.
• Good IT skills including Excel and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience in using SAP BYD preferrable.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly around specifications and compliance.
• Knowledge of packaging regulations, sustainability requirements, and retailer expectations.
• Experience supporting NPD launches, artwork changes, and packaging trials.
  

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive, resilient, and solutions focused.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage urgent operational demands.
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on cost control and continuous improvement.
  

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week Monday to Friday.
• Site based.

Benefits:

• Free parking, within proximity to all major travel networks.
• 31 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing with service.
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Health cash plan (Medicash), after 3 months.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Company pension scheme – employer 4% and employee 5%.
• Company paid events throughout the year.
• Fruity Tuesday.
• FREE pack of cheese every week.
• Discounted staff cheese shop.
• Doughnut Fridays.
  

Please note we unfortunately do not offer sponsorship for work visas or immigration. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK to be considered for this role.

If this sounds like it could be the role for you then please email HR@extonsfoods.com

Learn more about Extons Foods at https://www.extonsfoods.com/