Can you tell us a bit about your role at VPK and how long you've been in it?

I joined VPK in July 2017 as a Senior Buyer within Procurement, having previously worked at Bakkavor, Rajapack and Woodway as a Packaging Buyer.

Paper has always been my baby at VPK. In 2023, I was promoted to Category Manager – Raw Materials and became part of the Supply Chain Team, which broadened my role and responsibilities significantly.

Across my career, I’ve built up around 25 years of experience in packaging and paper. That knowledge is invaluable in my current role, where I’m responsible for helping ensure the business has the right raw materials in place, while supporting colleagues across our sites with sourcing, planning and technical guidance.

What do you enjoy most about your role or working at VPK?

There is never a dull moment. My role is incredibly varied, and even after all these years in packaging and paper, I’m still learning new skills and discovering new areas of the business. I enjoy supporting colleagues as the resident “Paper Queen”, whether that means helping source stock, providing guidance to our sites or working with suppliers to find the right solution.

I’ve also built long-standing relationships with both colleagues and suppliers, which is an important part of the job. Having that network around you makes it much easier to tackle challenges collaboratively and keep things moving.

Can you tell us why you love working at VPK?

I thrive on the challenges the role brings and on being able to support so many different areas of the business.

More recently, taking on responsibility for FSC has opened up a whole new area for me. I’ve been learning more about supply chain compliance, audits and the documentation needed to maintain the standards expected across VPK Packaging.

Sustainability is an increasingly important part of the packaging industry, so I’m proud to play my part in helping VPK maintain responsible sourcing standards and support its wider sustainability commitments.

It has also allowed me to work with even more colleagues across the VPK network, which has been a real positive.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is a lot of analysis, forecasting and planning involved in my role. I’m constantly communicating with our site paper planners and reelstores to make sure the right papers are available to keep the corrugators running smoothly.

Alongside that, there are day-to-day SAP delivery queries, supplier management, reporting and project work to keep on top of.

Since taking on FSC responsibility, my role has also expanded into compliance standards, audits and compiling supporting documentation. It has added a completely new dimension to the job and broadened the number of people I work with across VPK.

Every now and then, I’ll also find myself dealing with DHL or customs clearances for shipments travelling to or from overseas. I’m supported by Matt Shackleton and colleagues in the Strategic Planning Team, and I’m also currently studying with the Supply Chain Academy, which means fitting weekly assignments into the mix too.