Packaging Procurement Assistant Manager – Europe Corrugates

Job description

Earlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick & Company, creating a scaled global flavour powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid-2027. Job Title Packaging Assistant Procurement Manager – Europe Corrugates Function Procurement Reports to Packaging Manager – Europe Corrugates Scope Europe Country Location and Worksite Details Poland Katowickie Centrum Biznesu JOB PURPOSE This role exists to support delivery of the Europe Corrugates procurement strategy, managing approximately €100+ million of spend while translating business, factory, customer, innovation and sustainability requirements into sourcing, supplier and operational activities. The role builds techno-commercial understanding of corrugated board, paper grades, liner and fluting markets, converting and printing processes, box specifications and material cost models while supporting sourcing events, supplier performance and portfolio data. Working with Packaging, R&D, Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Sustainability, factories and suppliers, the role enables value creation, responsible fibre sourcing, recycled content, packaging optimisation, supply continuity and dependable procurement execution across Europe. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead assigned corrugates sourcing events from supplier and market analysis through RFQ, bid comparison, negotiation, approvals, contracting and implementation. Build techno-commercial understanding of corrugated board, paper grades, liner and fluting markets, converting and printing processes, box specifications and material cost models. Maintain accurate supplier, contract, pricing, volume, specification, capacity and performance data to support spend analysis, price forecasts, business cases and value reporting. Coordinate supplier relationships and performance across cost, quality, delivery, service, capacity, resilience, innovation, sustainability and compliance, tracking corrective actions through closure. Partner with Packaging, R&D, Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Sustainability, factories and suppliers to support box redesign, trials, specification changes, supplier transitions and launches. Execute value, sustainability and compliance initiatives through board-grade optimisation, lightweighting, harmonisation, alternative sources, complexity reduction, logistics efficiency, responsible fibre sourcing and accurate sourcing records. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS University degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Packaging, Business or a related discipline, with relevant experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Packaging or Supplier Operations within FMCG or manufacturing. Working knowledge of corrugated packaging, paper and board value chains, liner and fluting grades, converting, printing, specifications and quality requirements. Good buying, negotiation, contracting, supplier-development, cost-analysis and procurement-governance capability. Strong financial, analytical, project-management, organisation, stakeholder-engagement and communication skills, with fluent written and spoken English. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Exposure to responsible fibre sourcing, recycled content, circular economy, material efficiency or lower-impact corrugated-packaging technologies. Experience supporting box redesign, board-grade changes, trials, specification harmonisation or supplier transitions. Polish language capability for relevant factory, supplier or stakeholder engagement. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner. Unilever 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 Unilever we are interested in every individual bring ing 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.