Packaging Manager
Integrated Service Solutions Ltd (ISS)
Integrated Service Solutions Ltd (ISS) is one of the UK's leading providers within the Fresh Produce sector. Since our establishment in 2014, we have experienced significant growth and now operate across four sites in Kent, employing over 1,300 colleagues.
As our business continues to evolve, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Packaging Manager to lead our Packaging operation across all four sites. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for a department of approximately 40 employees spanning Procurement, Packaging, Warehousing and Stock Control functions.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a fast-paced, customer-focused environment where operational excellence, continuous improvement and strong leadership are at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
Overall responsibility for the procurement, scheduling, warehousing, stock management and distribution of packaging materials across all four ISS sites. Leading a department of circa 40 employees, you will ensure packaging availability, stock accuracy, cost control and operational performance are consistently achieved.
You will work collaboratively with key stakeholders across the business to drive process improvements, manage supplier performance, maintain compliance and support the delivery of production and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead the Packaging, Procurement, Warehouse Issue and Stock Control teams across all four ISS sites, ensuring high levels of service, performance and accountability.
· Ensure all packaging materials and transit items are available to support production plans whilst maintaining agreed stock and budget targets.
· Manage supplier relationships, placing orders, negotiating supply arrangements and conducting tenders to ensure competitive pricing and service levels.
· Oversee the procurement of packaging materials, sundry items, trays and pallets, ensuring continuity of supply across the business.
· Take ownership of packaging stock management, ensuring accurate stock records, stock reconciliation and timely investigation of discrepancies.
· Ensure physical stock counts and stock check cycles are completed in line with company procedures, with all anomalies investigated and resolved promptly.
· Maintain and develop robust stock control processes, ensuring WIP procedures are followed and stock locations remain accurate at all times.
· Act as ERP System Super User for packaging and stock management processes, driving system accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.
· Oversee warehousing and packaging issue operations, ensuring materials are received, stored and issued efficiently to meet operational requirements.
· Ensure all packaging-related BRC documentation, records and compliance requirements are maintained and audit-ready.
· Monitor, analyse and report on departmental KPIs, driving improvements in stock accuracy, service levels, availability, waste and cost performance.
· Lead investigations into stock, packaging and process-related issues, implementing corrective actions and preventative measures.
· Develop and coach team members, identifying succession planning and development opportunities across the department.
· Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Technical, Finance and Commercial teams to support business objectives and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.
· Ensure all departmental activities are carried out in accordance with company policies, food safety requirements and health & safety legislation.
· Lead by example by demonstrating our company values in your day-to-day work.
This list is not exhaustive, and the job holder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the position as required.
Qualifications and Experience
- Significant leadership experience within Packaging, Supply Chain, FMCG, Food Manufacturing or Fresh Produce environments.
- Proven experience managing procurement, warehousing, stock control or packaging operations within a large-scale operational business.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, suppliers and operational costs.
- Track record of delivering operational improvements and implementing sustainable change.
- Experience using ERP systems and managing inventory through robust stock control processes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
- Strong analytical, planning and decision-making capabilities.
- Resilient, hands-on leadership style with a willingness to be visible within the operation and support teams when required.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Benefits
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Annual pay reviews
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced family leave
- Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 GP and Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discounts
- Recognition schemes and long service awards
- Social events, including summer and Christmas parties
- Free tea and coffee on site
- Opportunities for career development and progression
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
