Junior Packaging Buyer Review

I am responsible for managing the packaging team along with global packaging suppliers to ensure packaging is delivered at the best cost, using suitable materials and sourced ethically. Running projects to improve the sustainability of packaging in line with legalisation such as Plastic Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility to ensure the company is mitigating any unnecessary costs. Each day is different and has it's own challenges which ensures a varied and exciting career.

Since starting my role I have been exposed to new tasks which have enabled me to learn on the job quickly, such as presenting, running projects end to end and negotiating. Once I joined my degree apprenticeship my skills began to develop at a faster rate as the projects I began working on gave me access to other areas of the business, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone and pushing me to expand my knowledge and credibility within the company. The degree supported not only in learning about the packaging industry, materials and processes, we looked at team management and roles, business cases and how to get the most out of each task I do through reflection.

Yes, my degree has opened up a new world to me, before I was very focused on what we have always done in the department. Since it has allowed me to look at the wider industry, pushing me to think outside the box and bring new ways of working to my company. This in turn has helped me promote within the company helping me achieve my career goals. The degree is really interesting and relevant to what I'm doing in the business and how we should be thinking moving forward to ensure we're always improving as an industry to do things with a view of sustainability.

For the most part the degree is well ran and structured, the course leader is very passionate about the degree and wants us to succeed. There have been a few incidences which have stemmed from lecturers leaving the program and delaying progress which is a shame and no fault of the staff who run the course, they have always tried to rectify the situation quickly. For the most part I feel the structure and frequency of lecturers, time at the University vs online learning has worked well.

My employer has been extremely supportive, from my manager to the wider business. From initial conversations on whether to be enrolled on the course to being in my final year, I have been supported and I feel that everyone wants what's best for me and the business which is great. My manager is always on hand to talk through projects and provide advice, and helps me decide on what projects would best suit assignments, coaching me and advocating for me to speak with other areas of the business and go on trips to achieve my knowledge, skills and behaviours.

They have been great when I've needed them, I've found it's a world where you need to speak up if you need support as you could get lost in the crowd, however when asked for help they have always been there. As my course has a small cohort, I feel it's more of a community and everyone supports each other.

Half way through my degree I was promoted to my current role, I don't believe this would have happened so quickly if it wasn't for my degree. I have worked hard throughout the degree, however it gave me the platform to do so and showcase what I am capable of. I would recommend anyone to challenge themselves as it's worth the time and effort. Each project/assignment I work on I see as raising my credibility and a chance to show the business new skills I have acquired.

There has been a big push to improve employees mental health, since the business now puts on lunch time walks where you can meet other people who you wouldn't necessarily interact with. They also have put on free yoga sessions before and after work that colleagues can attend at head office. Each year colleagues get involved in raising money for Alder Hey Hospital and NSPCC which includes running the London Marathon, bake sales and at one time sky diving.

Yes

It feels like one big family, we all have a job to do and understand that working together will provide better outcomes. They try to keep staff moral up by having vendors come into the business at peak times such as Christmas, valentines days, mother's/father's day, etc. so people can buy gifts on site which saves time in your personal life. It's a really nice place to work, it's now my forth year here and I still love it.

Be yourself, the business is full of big characters and individuals are celebrated for who they are and the things they do and achieve. There is a lot of competition when applying for roles within the company, so stand out and show you're hard working and most importantly a team player. Career progression is supported here so don't be afraid to show what you want and passionate about.