Graduate Purchasing Executive Full Time

The Graduate Procurement Executive role (Packaging) offers an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to developing and delivering customer and business focused packaging solutions that enhance product performance and customer experience.

Reporting directly to the Packaging Procurement and Development Manager and working closely with colleagues across the business including Product Development, Manufacturing, Engineering and Marketing, you will support and lead a broad cross-section of stimulating, challenging and varied projects to further improve our sustainability position, deliver cost savings, drive continuous improvement and create competitive advantage.

You will be involved at various stages of the packaging development process from concept through to launch including ideation, concept development and performance trials.

A bespoke programme of packaging specific training will be provided including in-house training, a formal external packaging course and supplier visits.

We are looking for someone who has the drive and passion to make a positive impact through innovative thinking, a commitment to continuous improvement and a genuine interest in packaging.

This role is based at our UK Headquarters in Trowbridge Wiltshire.

Who We Are

Apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

This role is part of our 2 year graduate programme, during which you will have exposure to mentoring, leadership training and support to achieve your full potential.

You will present to the executive team on your work.

The aim of our programme is to train and develop graduates into future leadership roles.

Responsibilities

Packaging Procurement Strategy:

Support the Packaging Procurement and Development Manager with the sourcing and procurement of packaging materials, ensuring alignment with business objectives around cost, quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Technical Packaging Development

Provide support in the design, testing, and implementation of new packaging solutions, including managing production and transit trials, to ensure fitness for purpose and optimisation for manufacturing.

Packaging Improvement & Cost Savings

Identify and deliver improvements to existing packaging formats that enhance performance, reduce cost, or improve customer experience. Proactively propose new technologies and materials that deliver value and competitive advantage.

Project & Programme Delivery

Plan, manage, and deliver packaging projects in collaboration with the Packaging Development Manager and cross-functional teams (NPD, Manufacturing, Engineering and Marketing), ensuring timelines and stakeholder expectations are met.

Supplier Management

Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and ongoing relationship management to ensure high performance, compliance, and alignment with apetito’s sustainability and quality standards.

Procurement Process & Contracting

Oversee the preparation and control of packaging related procurement documents and tenders, including contracts, specifications and supplier agreements.

Cost & Market Analysis

Monitor market trends in packaging materials and manufacturing to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize spend, and negotiate favorable commercial terms with suppliers.

Sustainability & Compliance

Support apetito’s sustainability targets by sourcing environmentally responsible packaging solutions and ensuring all packaging complies with relevant legislation, BRC standards, and internal policies.

Industry & Trend Awareness

Stay informed of emerging packaging trends, technologies, and regulations to drive innovation and maintain apetito’s position as a leader in sustainable food packaging.

Essential

About you:

• 2:1 Degree within the last two years
• Interest in working in Packaging within a Food manufacturing environment
• Ability to build relationships with a diverse team of people
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and good IT skills
• Able to interpret data confidently
• Good communication and interpersonal skills (Written and verbal)
• Presentation skills
• Valid UK driving license

Desirable

• Degree in Engineering, Product Design Technology, Manufacturing or Food Technology
• Previous experience in a food or packaging related role

Personal Qualities

• Creative problem solver
• Thirst for continuous improvement
• Inquisitive mindset
• Detail oriented
• A team player, able to work in a high performing fast paced environment

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route as it does not meet the minimum requirements set out under the UK Immigration Rules.

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4%
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
• Access to employee benefits including Perkbox with salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

Our Values

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.

We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff, and we’re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.