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- Tasks: Lead a team and manage supplier relationships in food manufacturing.
- Company: Join a major player in the food manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your category and influence key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG buying is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and develop a team while driving strategy.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
This is a Senior Buyer role in a major food manufacturing business. You’ll report into the Head of Commercial, take full ownership of a category, and manage two direct reports – a Buyer and a Graduate.
This isn’t just about chasing down better prices. It’s about driving strategy, building long-term supplier partnerships, and influencing decision-making across commercial, technical, finance, and supply chain.
What you’ll be doing:
- Creating and delivering commercial strategy across your product category
- Managing and developing your team (this includes mentoring, not micromanaging)
- Building supplier relationships that deliver more than just price
- Managing contracts, negotiating terms, and keeping working capital in check
- Providing market insight, risk mitigation, and cost-saving initiatives that actually stick
- Acting as a key point of contact between procurement and the wider business
- Getting involved in cross-functional projects that go beyond the buying desk
You’ll need:
- A background in food manufacturing or FMCG buying – ideally customer-facing
- Strong commercial acumen – you get the balance between cost, quality, and continuity
- Leadership qualities – whether you’re currently managing people or ready to start
- CIPS or working towards it? Great. But practical experience wins every time
If this strikes a chord with you and your CV is ready, then click apply now.
Senior Buyer employer: LinkedIn
Contact Detail:
LinkedIn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their product categories, market position, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully mentored others and driven team performance in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic thinking skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to commercial strategies in past roles, including any cost-saving initiatives or supplier relationship management that had a significant impact on the business.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food manufacturing or FMCG buying. Emphasise your achievements in sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers, as well as any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and leadership qualities. Discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Buyer role and express your enthusiasm for driving strategy and building supplier relationships.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in contract management, risk mitigation, and cost-saving initiatives. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully influenced decision-making in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Senior Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
In this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to create and deliver commercial strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully influenced decision-making and driven strategy in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since you'll be managing a team, it's important to showcase your leadership qualities. Share experiences where you've mentored others or led projects, emphasising your approach to developing talent without micromanaging.
✨Emphasise Supplier Relationship Management
Building long-term supplier partnerships is key in this position. Prepare to discuss how you've previously managed supplier relationships, focusing on how you’ve added value beyond just negotiating prices.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong understanding of balancing cost, quality, and continuity. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated these factors in past buying roles, showcasing your ability to make informed decisions that benefit the business.
