Category Buyer (Packaging)
Overview:
Category Buyer (Packaging)
Zertus UK & Ireland
Based one of the following UK sites: Hull, Heckington, Fakenham or Sherburn with hybrid working options
Are you looking to grow your expertise in packaging procurement and build a rewarding career in buying? We’re looking for a Category Buyer to join our team and manage the procurement of flexible films and foils, playing a key role in supporting our innovation and sustainability goals!In this role you will play a crucial role in sourcing innovative packaging solutions for our renowned food brands. We’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset to manage supplier relationships, drive cost savings, and ensure our packaging meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead negotiations, and support our commitment to environmental goals. If you’re ready to grow your expertise in packaging procurement and make an impact in the food industry, we want to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
- Oversee designated packaging category activities, reporting to the Senior Packaging Buyer.
- Develop category strategies based on supplier, market, and supply chain analysis to meet internal customer service, quality, and innovation needs.
- Ensure supplier alignment with the company’s ethical, environmental, and regulatory policies.
- Build and deliver cost-reduction strategies across sites, collaborating with all stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate financial and planning records for the category, including pricing and supplier data in QAD, and establish contingency plans for key suppliers.
- Regularly review suppliers, report on PPV with corrective actions, and resolve invoice queries with Accounts Payable.
- Manage inventory and surplus stock, and engage with internal stakeholders to drive a cohesive strategy for category development.
- Ensure a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective material supply chain, and establish best practices for buying, service, and price management KPIs.
- Lead continuous improvement and joint supplier initiatives, supporting the Group Procurement function as required.
- Maintain product quality through the supply chain, manage supplier innovation activities, and assist in resolving non-conformities.
- Visit UK Suppliers, sites and trade shows as and when required.
Qualifications:
- Experience in category-led procurement, ideally in manufacturing, with a proven track record in supplier negotiation and cost-saving initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and knowledge of materials and processes for materials.
- Ability to work independently, influence senior colleagues, and communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Degree-level education and CIPS qualification or equivalent (Desirable but not essential - future training and development can be available via Zertus)
- Willingness to travel as needed to sites, suppliers, and other location across the UK - Valid UK Driving License required.
- Competency in core procurement skills, including negotiation.
Rewards Benefits:
- Annual bonus plan up to 10% of salary per year
- Hybrid working scheme (Work 2 days from home per week)
- Pension (4% Employer Contributions)
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.
- Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Shiropdy, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts.
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme up to one extra week per year
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Engagement in Charity and Team Events
- Receive an extra day of paid leave for charity or community service.
- Access exclusive discounts through our staff/online shops.
- Employee Values Awards
- Referral Bonus Vouchers
- Training and Development Opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships)
- Access to London Hub Space in Camden: Benefit from a dedicated London Hub space.
- Join our ongoing commitment to our ESG strategy, prioritizing the well-being of our people, communities, and the planet.
- Grocery Aid Charity Support
About Us:
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies – Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland.With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, Humzingers, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser!
As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network.
When you join Zertus, you will be based at one of our Humdinger, Kinnerton, Bromborough or Lir Chocolates UK/ Ireland locations, unless your role is hybrid/home-based.
Our manufacturing Locations: Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, Navan (Ireland). We have a hot-desking office space in Hull (East Yorkshire) and also in Camden, London.
Application & Interview Process:
Zertus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Your application will be reviewed and entered into the selection process consisting of an online and on-site interview at one of our UK locations.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is likely to include special category data and is therefore covered by data protection laws.We ask for this information so that we are fully aware of any adjustments needed and we will use the information provided to inform our decisions about making those changes.