Estimating & Procurement Mgr - Aylesford | Competitive Pay

Position: Estimating & Procurement Manager
Location: Aylesford, Kent
Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

A well-established and respected retail packaging manufacturer based in Aylesford is looking to appoint an experienced Estimating & Procurement Manager to lead its cost estimation and purchasing functions.

With over 100 employees and a strong presence in sectors such as homewares, cosmetics, food and beverage, and home entertainment, the company holds internationally recognised manufacturing, environmental, and quality certifications.

Reporting to the Operations Director, this is a key leadership role that involves overseeing a team of three professionals, ensuring accurate and timely quotations, strategic purchasing, supplier management, and providing data-driven insights to support operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities of an Estimating & Procurement Manager:

• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for printed packaging products based on customer specifications and production capabilities.
• Ensure quotes align with business strategy and current market conditions.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and production teams to support client requests.
• Maintain and develop pricing models that include all cost variables (labour, materials, machine usage, waste, etc.).
• Oversee procurement of raw materials, outsourced services, and production supplies.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal cost, quality, and service terms.
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and material availability (UK and EU).
• Develop and execute procurement strategies in line with company goals.
• Set objectives and monitor performance for the estimating and procurement team.
• Identify training needs within the technical team and support professional development.
• Produce regular reports on estimating accuracy, production costs, material use, and KPIs.
• Present insights and strategic updates to senior management.
• Work with production teams to ensure feasibility and efficiency of job specifications.
• Stay informed on innovations in materials, sustainable packaging options, and industry developments.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant certification standards.

Skills & Experience required for an Estimating and Procurement Manager:

• Proven supervisory experience is essential.
• Background in commercial roles, particularly in estimating and/or purchasing.
• Experience in the packaging or print sector is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance customer requirements with margin goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and leadership skills.
• A proactive, flexible approach and a high level of integrity and accountability.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication skills and a positive approach to team leadership.
• Experience in supplier negotiation or a willingness to develop in this area.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory bank holidays
• Company pension (up to 3% employer contribution)
• Long service recognition with additional leave starting at 5 years
• Death in Service benefit
• Access to salary benefits programme, including:
• Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Discounts
• Recruitment referral programme
• Annual company social events (Summer & Christmas)

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday - 37.5 hours per week
Some flexibility available around start/finish times. Minimum 7.5 hours per day, excluding lunch.

If you are interested in this role, please apply today.

For more information, please call Olivia on (phone number removed)