Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging

Location: CambridgeshireHelp shape the future of Packaging Procurement.Some procurement roles are about maintaining the status quo.This isn't one of them.We're supporting a leading UK food manufacturer in appointing a Senior Procurement Manager – Food Packaging to join a growing procurement function that's investing heavily in its future.Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you'll become a key member of the senior team, helping shape category strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and influence the future direction of packaging procurement across a complex, multi-site manufacturing business.This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building capability, challenging thinking and creating long-term value—not simply negotiating the next contract.What you'll be doingYou'll take ownership of strategic packaging procurement activities across multiple manufacturing sites, developing category strategies that deliver commercial value whilst improving resilience, sustainability and supplier performance.Working closely with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Finance and Innovation teams, you'll lead strategic sourcing projects, build strong supplier partnerships and support major procurement initiatives across the business.You'll also play an important role in helping develop procurement capability and supporting the continued evolution of the function.We'd love to hear from you if you have experience in:Strategic procurement within food manufacturing or FMCGFood packaging procurement (flexible packaging, rigid plastics, corrugated, cartons, labels or similar)Category strategy development and executionStrategic sourcing, tendering and supplier negotiationsSupplier relationship management and performance improvementWorking across multiple manufacturing sitesInfluencing stakeholders across Technical, Operations, Commercial and FinanceLeadership experience is welcomed, but we're equally interested in ambitious procurement professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career.The person we're looking forWe're far more interested in mindset than job title.You'll probably thrive in this role if you're someone who:Enjoys solving complex commercial problemsIs naturally curious and commercially mindedBuilds strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliersIs comfortable influencing rather than directingThrives in an evolving environmentWants to help shape the future of procurement rather than simply operate within itIs looking for genuine long-term career progressionWhy join?This is more than a replacement hire.The business is investing in its procurement capability, and this appointment is viewed as a key part of that journey. You'll work closely with an experienced Head of Procurement and have the opportunity to become a genuine senior leader within the function over time.You'll also benefit from:A strong salaryA strong annual bonusExcellent benefits packageExposure to major strategic procurement projectsGenuine career development opportunitiesA collaborative and supportive procurement team