Job Description:

We are recruiting for an experienced Packaging Manager to join a fast-paced food and fresh produce business in Kent.

This is a senior operational leadership role with responsibility for packaging procurement, scheduling, warehousing, stock management and material issue across multiple sites. You will lead a large team spanning procurement, packaging, warehousing and stock control, while taking full ownership of packaging budgets, stock accuracy and supplier performance.

Packaging Manager Key Responsibilities

• Lead teams across packaging procurement, warehousing and stock control.
• Manage buyers, supplier call-offs, purchase orders and replenishment activity.
• Take ownership of packaging stock levels, stock accuracy and availability.
• Reconcile physical stock against system records and investigate discrepancies.
• Manage tray and pallet hire and de-hire activity.
• Maintain accurate packaging and BRC records.
• Ensure WIP procedures, stock locations and live stock systems are accurate.
• Lead physical stock checks and ensure anomalies are resolved quickly.
• Act as ERP superuser for stock management and process accuracy.
• Monitor and report against key operational KPIs.
• Conduct supplier tenders and support commercial negotiations.
• Coach, develop and motivate a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Drive continuous improvement across packaging and stock processes.

Packaging Manager Key Skills and Experience

• 5 to 10 years’ experience within packaging, operations, manufacturing, FMCG, food or fresh produce.
• Strong operational and manufacturing management experience.
• Proven leadership of large, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong stock management, warehousing and ERP experience.
• Experience managing suppliers, procurement activity and budgets.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement.
• Commercially aware with the ability to influence both cost and service.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational leader to take ownership of a key packaging function within a fast-moving, customer-focused environment.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.