Packaging Buyer

Howden Joinery is looking for a skilled Packaging Buyer to join our dynamic Raw Materials Procurement team at our Howden site in East Yorkshire. In this role, you'll be instrumental in managing the commercial relationships with our international suppliers, identifying new opportunities for supply, and driving growth as we advance our innovation and sustainability initiatives.

We’re looking for a commercially driven individual who excels at building and managing supplier partnerships, negotiating competitive agreements, and ensuring our packaging solutions meet the highest standards for quality and sustainability. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, contributing to our ongoing commitment to cost savings, environmental goals, and supply chain efficiency.

As a Packaging Buyer, you’ll play a key role in developing new products, suppliers, and materials, continuously evolving our supply base to align with business needs around cost, quality, ESG commitments, and availability.

What will you be doing as a Packaging Buyer:

You will have a direct impact on the P&L and the cost of goods sold through the product portfolio you with be responsible for sourcing. You will play a key role in working with the Head of Procurement in developing our long-term growth plans with our suppliers and ensuring the supply base can meet the needs of our manufacturing operation and, ultimately, our depots.  

We are looking for an excellent influencer and negotiator, who thrives in internal and external stakeholder and supplier engagement - someone with excellent Analytical skills with an excellent eye for detail.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for managing a significant raw material spend.

What do I need to qualify for the Packaging Buyer:

• Demonstrable buying experience, packaging and corrugate would be advantageous.
• Previous experience in a supplier-focused role.
• Experience in packaging and corrugate would be advantageous.
• Strong cost negotiation skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with great attention to detail.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Confident in decision-making.
• Relevant industry experience would be preferred – KBB Background.

What can we offer you as a Packaging Buyer: 

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with an opportunity to purchase additional days
• Staff discount
• Ongoing support and development
• Free lunch at our onsite canteen
• Free onsite car parking
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About Us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.  That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

The closing date is January 3^rd, and successful applicants will be contacted in the New Year.

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA.  If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as part of the procurement team, then we are keen to hear from you.

You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role.  Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step.  We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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