Packaging Buyer

This position has now been filled, but has been left on our website as we have other similar vacancies to this on an ongoing basis that might interest you. More importantly, we have vacancies that are not advertised due to their confidential nature therefore it would certainly be in your interest to email your CV, as a word document, depending on which sector you are in, to :-

Head of Packaging recruitment – Greg Nelson – greg@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head of Print recruitment–Neil Pearson – neil@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head Paper recruitment – Gary Young – gary@harrison-scott.co.uk

Board level, account management and all levels of sales vacancies –

George Thompson – george@harrison-scott.co.uk

Our divisional heads will then email your CV internally to the consultant who specialises in your exact sector, for example a category of packaging is cartons, a category of print is print management, in fact we have over 30 specialist categories. Our specialist consultant will contact you if we have a live vacancy that matches, or contact you in the near future as soon a good match to skill set and experience becomes available.

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Are you an experienced Packaging Buyer with strong international sourcing experience and a passion for driving value, quality, and sustainability?

We’re working with a well-established UK packaging manufacturing group—a leading name in sustainability and materials innovation, known for its collaborative culture and long-standing relationships with global brands. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that’s investing heavily in its supply chain capability and continuous improvement.

The Role

As Packaging Buyer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective supply of goods, materials, and components across both domestic and international markets. You’ll manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and oversee a small buying team—all while championing quality, compliance, and value for money. You’ll also work closely with planning, finance, production, and commercial teams to maintain supply continuity and drive efficiency improvements across the procurement process.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and manage suppliers across the UK, Europe, and Far East markets
• Lead a small team of buyers, promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and exclusivity agreements
• Manage stock levels and supplier performance to ensure on-time delivery and compliance
• Support production planning using MPS/MRP systems
• Identify sustainable sourcing opportunities and innovative packaging solutions
• Ensure compliance with import/export and post-Brexit regulations

About You

• Experienced in packaging or manufacturing procurement
• Confident managing supplier relationships internationally (including the Far East)
• Skilled negotiator with a commercial mindset and strong analytical ability
• CIPS qualified (or working towards)
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and leading a small team
• Strong IT and systems capability (Excel, ERP/MRP)

Why Join?

• Work with a respected and growing UK manufacturer
• Opportunity to shape procurement strategy and team capability
• Be part of a business driving sustainability and innovation in packaging
• Competitive salary + benefits + flexible working options