Tell us about your first three days as part of the Lactalis Group.

I joined the Lactalis Group four years ago as a Packaging Purchaser for the Bridel and Lactel Divisions.
My integration period began with an introduction to the Group (induction day organised by the HR Department), then I spent two days with the team at the Laval manufacturing site to find out about organising purchases for a factory and to begin to learn about the technical constraints that pertain to packaging for ultra-fresh products.

What does your job consist of and with whom do you interact on a daily basis ?

My overall goal is to find the best-quality packaging at the best possible price, while meeting the requirements of the Group's factories, and ensuring the best possible schedule and service. This job has the advantage of daily contact with the Group's various operational staff (Factory, Marketing, Quality, Management Control, Logistics, Packaging Development), as well as the packaging suppliers, of course.
In order to fulfil my tasks I am in charge of a team of four, which consists of one Purchaser and three Packaging Technicians who coordinate the development of packaging designs.

What makes a 'good' purchaser ?

The main thing, obviously, is to know packaging manufacturing technics, to ensure discernment and efficiency. In addition, a healthy dose of inquisitiveness helps you to constantly improve purchases and packaging designs, to meet the needs of users within the Group. Finally, a Purchaser must be able to manage his colleagues and keep his team motivated by listening to them and being organised.

How would you like your career to develop ?

My training as a Packaging Engineer at Reims School of Higher Studies led me directly into my first job : a technical role in a packaging development department for a major coffee brand.
The Lactalis Group gave me the opportunity to move into the buying side of packaging as Purchaser for the ultra-fresh product range and milk. After three years, I became Purchasing Group Manager with a wider area of responsibility.
The size of the Group and the speed at which it is developing mean that I am confident that there will be further opportunities for career development in the future.