Packaging Procurement Specialist Europe - Plastics

JOB PURPOSE  

The Packaging Buyer – Plastic Rigids is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers of rigid plastic packaging to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and support of sustainability objectives. 

The role works closely with Packaging Engineering, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to support both existing portfolios and innovation projects. 

If you are someone who is passionate, who works well with others, and is a master at building partnerships, then come join Unilever’s procurement team! then this role is just for you! 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Sourcing & Procurement 

• Manage sourcing activities for rigid plastic packaging components  

• Execute supplier selection, RFQs, cost comparisons, and negotiations in line with category strategies. 

• Support the definition and execution of category strategies for plastic rigid packaging. 

• Ensure contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier terms are accurately implemented and maintained. 

• Supplier Management 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with approved suppliers, locally and internationally. 

• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (cost, service, quality, innovation, sustainability). 

• Support supplier qualification, audits, and risk assessments in collaboration with Quality and Compliance teams. 

• Actively contributes to supplier rationalization and dual-sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risk. 

Cost & Budget Control 

• Deliver cost savings through negotiations, should-cost analysis, and value engineering initiatives. 

• Track cost evolution of feedstock and support inflation/deflation management. 

• Support annual budget planning and forecast accuracy. 

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration 

• Work closely with Packaging Development / Engineering on new packaging launches, changes, and optimizations. 

• Support innovation and renovation projects, ensuring timely sourcing and industrialization. 

• Align with Supply Chain to ensure optimal service levels, lead times, and inventory strategies. 

• Contribute to resolving supply, quality, or performance issues related to plastic rigid packaging. 

Sustainability & Compliance 

• Support sustainability initiatives including light‑weighting, recycled content (PCR), recyclability, and mono‑material solutions. 

• Ensure packaging sourcing complies with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and food/pharma/cosmetic-grade regulations (as applicable). 

• Participate in responsible sourcing programs where relevant 

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:  

• Solid understanding of rigid plastic packaging materials and processes (e.g., PET, HDPE, PP, injection and blow molding). 

• Proven ability to manage suppliers and negotiations independently within a defined category scope. 

• Strong analytical and cost-management skills, including basic cost breakdowns and price tracking. 

• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Packaging, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams. 

• Good understanding of quality, compliance, and regulatory requirements for plastic packaging. 

• A proactive mindset with the ability to identify improvement and savings opportunities. 

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills in an international environment. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively. 

• Interest in sustainability topics, such as PCR, recyclability, and packaging optimization. 

• Fluency in English and confidence working in a multicultural setting. 

SKILLS & LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS REQUIRED:   

Technical & Professional Skills 

• Solid understanding of Packaging materials and rigid packaging manufacturing processes. 

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills. 

• Ability to interpret cost structures and challenge supplier pricing. 

• Familiarity with procurement tools, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and Excel. 

• Understanding of packaging quality standards and basic regulatory constraints. 

Soft Skills 

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. 

• Proactive, structured, and results-oriented mindset. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment. 

• Team player with a collaborative approach 

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Business, or a related field. 

• Experience 

• Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement or buying, ideally within Packaging, plastics, FMCG, cosmetics, food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries. 

• Hands-on experience with packaging materials, suppliers, or manufacturing processes is strongly preferred. 

• Experience working in a cross‑functional, international environment is a plus 

• Experience in managing supplier relationships and leading negotiations. 

• Familiar with cost modeling and contracting strategies. 

• Basic understanding of finance. 

• Adept at working in a global virtual network with teammates based across the world. 

• Strong analytics skills including a deep knowledge of Excel. 

• Professional negotiation models and techniques. 

• Comfort with systems such as Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, SAP CLM, and more. 

• Other skills: change management, forecasting and planning processes, and market operations 

WHAT DO WE OFFER   

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.   

• Hybrid Work (you can work from home 2/3 days per week)   

• 4 weeks of Flex Work per year: Opportunity to work remotely for the entire week without coming into the office.   

• A unique mix of global scale & start-up spirit—€8.3bn powerhouse with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset. We’re building a new high growth Ice Cream company from the ground up. ​ 

• Career without limits—42 markets, international opportunities, and fast tracked growth. ​ 

• A performance-driven culture—Freedom to act, disrupt and grow – your success is measured by impact.​ 

• A company that celebrates joy, innovation, and purpose—We create extraordinary careers, just like our ice cream creates extraordinary moments. 

• Restaurant Card and canteen service in our offices.   

• Wellbeing Programs: Resources and activities to promote physical, mental, emotional, and purposeful wellbeing.   

 And many more!   

#TMICC

ABOUT THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY:

With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly part of Unilever) is all about growth. Growing our business. Growing our customers’ businesses. Growing our people’s careers. Growth begins with empowerment. So we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments – and having fun doing it. Here’s what defines success in our organization :

· We are all about growth

· We operate with speed and simplicity

· We win together with fun

· We boldly innovate to disrupt our industry

· We care and challenge

· We are experts in the Ice Cream Category

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Magnum Ice Cream Company embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

Please apply online and do not forget to upload your CV. Your application will be reviewed against the requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date, with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer 

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At The Magnum Ice Cream Company we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.