Packaging Buyer - FMCG

McCormick & Company, Inc., founded in Baltimore in 1889, is a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, herbs, seasonings and other flavours to the entire food industry.  Customers range from retail outlets and food service providers to food manufacturers.  McCormick has approximately 7,500 employees in the world and a turnover of $3.2 billion in 2009.

With headquarters in Haddenham (UK), the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA) is McCormick’s second largest business, operating in 11 countries and employing 3,500 employees.  The business has 7 divisions; Consumer, Marketing, Industrial, Operations & Supply Chain, Technical, Finance and HR.

Within our Operations & Supply Chain division, our Procurement department currently has a vacancy for a Packaging Buyer.  The role will be based in Haddenham but will have responsibility for both UK sites, the other site being in Littleborough, near Manchester. 

The Buyer will be responsible for setting the strategy for the category and assigned suppliers of plastic, flexible materials, etc. and the development of programmes to optimise cost, rationalise the supply base and bring value to the Company.  Key activities include:

• Leading the entire purchasing process from the definition of need in relation to its internal clients to the contracting, using all purchase methodologies available
• Drive the supplier relationship and supplier performance in collaboration with the Quality, Supplier Performance and Packaging R&D teams
• Conducting or participating in cross-functional projects, including innovation

 The ideal candidate will be/have:

•  Educated to degree level, or equivalent; CIPS qualification is desirable, but not essential
• Previous experience in Procurement within a FMCG environment, including a proven knowledge of the Packaging category
• The ability to take a strategic view of a business, formulate potential improvements, communicate them effectively and translate them into realistic projects
• Enthusiastic, tenacious, with a strong drive to achieve results
• Adaptable and flexible in complex, ambiguous or stressful situations
• Innovative - creating an environment that encourages innovation and calculated risk taking
• An excellent communicator and relationship builder- people orientated, excellent negotiation skills
• Computer literate, practical experience in cost analysis, preferably in a SAP environment

Frequent travel in EMEA will be required, with regular travel to the Littleborough site, near Manchester (an average of one week per month).  A second European language, such as French, would be advantageous, but is not essential.

In return we offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to work in a progressive Procurement team with a global brand leader.

To be considered for this role, please forward your CV with a covering letter 

As an Equal Opportunities employer, McCormick is committed to a diverse workforce.