Paper Purchasing Manager

About the job

Our client is a publishing powerhouse where the sourcing and management of paper is a critical part of their production process - from the quality, look and feel, to the logistics, supply chain and costs. We have an opportunity for a Paper Purchasing Manager to play a vital role in this process.

In this position, and through the implementation of processes and forecasting, you will be responsible for the management of paper for all monochrome printings in the UK. You will ensure our client has sufficient paper stocks, working collaboratively with paper mills, production and other internal stakeholders. You will utilise your expertise to guide and influence production decisions, for the benefit of the department and wider business. 

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Forecasting and ordering paper for monochrome manufacture and driving efficiency and cost savings throughout all aspects of paper management, procurement and supply 

• Ensuring paper availability for printings while maintaining a healthy stock turn 

• Implementing contingencies to mitigate against any forecasting constraints 

• Managing a small team, driving forward their development and efficiency 

• Liaising with senior production colleagues to agree paper grades for non-standard printings and communicating this effectively to all of production 

• Sharing knowledge with internal Production and Inventory Management teams, to support their understanding of their roles within the overall paper buying process 

• Providing detailed analysis for annual paper tenders 

• Researching and sourcing new papers for production requirements in response to specific immediate needs, as well as to improve quality and/or commercial competitiveness 

• Maintaining excellent relationships with paper suppliers across the trade 

• Working with the Sustainability Production Manager you will ensure environmental considerations are adhered to throughout paper management and purchasing 

• Alongside the Sustainability Production Manager, keep informed of environmental initiatives within our suppliers’ mills, practices, and the wider industry 

Preferred candidate profile: 

• Knowledgeable about the book paper industry and will deemed as supply chain expert for paper 

• Adept with Excel and data 

• Comfortable to communicate with internal and external stakeholders