Candidate Overview
The candidate is a commercially astute Packaging Buyer with 9+ years’ experience within FMCG and food manufacturing environments, specialising in packaging procurement, supplier management, and cost optimisation. They bring strong expertise in supplier negotiation, packaging compliance, ERP systems, and packaging change management, alongside a proven ability to support operational continuity in fast-paced manufacturing environments. Known for their proactive and solutions-focused approach, they consistently deliver cost savings while maintaining service and quality standards.
Core Expertise
- Supplier negotiation and relationship management
- Cost reduction and commercial analysis
- ERP / MRP systems (SAP experience)
- Forecast-based purchasing and stock control
- Supply continuity and risk mitigation
- Packaging sustainability initiatives
- NPD launches and packaging transitions
- Inventory management and demand alignment
- Cross-functional stakeholder collaboration
- Continuous improvement and packaging rationalisation
Selected Career Achievements
- Delivered annual packaging cost savings of £750k+ through supplier negotiations, specification optimisation, and improved purchasing strategies.
- Improved supplier OTIF performance to 98%+, reducing production disruption and strengthening supply continuity.
- Led packaging rationalisation projects reducing packaging complexity by 20%, improving operational efficiency and reducing excess inventory.
- Contributed to sustainability initiatives including reducing plastic usage and improving recyclable packaging formats across key product lines.
Leadership Profile
A highly organised and commercially focused procurement professional with a proactive, ownership-led mindset. Strong communicator with the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders across Production, Planning, Technical, and Commercial teams. Thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments, balancing operational urgency with long-term supplier and cost strategies.
Ideal Next Role
The candidate is seeking a Packaging Buyer role within FMCG or food manufacturing, where they can drive supplier performance, improve packaging efficiency, and support operational continuity through strong procurement leadership. They are particularly well suited to businesses requiring strong packaging market knowledge, supplier management capability, and operationally focused procurement expertise.
Interested in learning more? Please contact Imagine Executive Solutions for a confidential discussion.