Zenith People are working with a market leading manufacturer in the packaging sector, known for its innovation, quality standards, and commitment to sustainability. The business operates in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with strong ties to the food and pharmaceutical industries
As Packaging Buyer, you will manage, drive, coordinate and oversee the purchasing of goods, raw materials and equipment, overseas as well as domestic, to ensure that the company’s operational needs are met. You will be responsible for driving account price benchmarking, quality and service delivery to ensure continuity of supply.
As a CIPS qualified, or partially qualified expert, You will need to consider the legal aspects of buying and understand the needs and processes of the business. You will maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products or gaps in the market as well as part of any ongoing tendering/contract renewal processes. You will lead a buying team, but you will have your own experience in sourcing from international markets including Europe and the Far east
Responsibilities:
* Ensure you get the best value for money, working with key colleagues to ensure that the company is holding the right amount of stock, balancing consignment and onsite stock, ensuring correct suppliers are in place to deliver the goods and services needed.
* Drive cost savings and continuous improvement whilst maintaining technically compliant supply.
* Research, analyse and forecast current and future buying trends, commodity markets, styles and products with attention to specified target and demographics
* Researching new markets, products and manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on sustainability
* Collating customer feedback via the Sales Team
* Negotiating with suppliers to agree prices, quantities, delivery schedules and exclusivity deals
* Ensure all required legislation and requirements are met in line with import/export and post Brexit requirements
* Develop and maintain relationships with wholesalers and suppliers
* Negotiate terms of contract with wholesalers and suppliers
* Oversee administration of all agreements
* Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets
* You will process requisitions and update management on the status of orders, liaising with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed
* Responsible for leading and mentoring a team of 2 buyers
* Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation
* Check performance, quality and legal compliance of your suppliers and facilitate the solving of any problems that occur
* Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements
* Cover and support Production Planning as and when needed by supporting the development of the production plans and schedules and use the MPS/MRP systems.
* Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships. Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures
* Work with suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues. To monitor and develop own skills and those of team members in line with business needs
* Performance measurement and management including absence management and individual development
* Look to drive a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation, with an emphasis on embracing technology to maximise efficiency
* Ensure and maintain a safe working environment by adherence to HSE requirements
Requirements:
* Previous experience in dealing with the Far East
* Management of team
* Experience in a similar role, including import/export and post Brexit requirements
* Previous experience of working in a purchasing team preferably within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
* An aptitude for figures and the ability to manage a budget
* Financial and accounting knowledge for calculating margins, gross profit and discounts
* Excellent computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and other stock management software and systems. Excellent attention to detail and high standards for quality control
* Planning experience with MPS/MRP