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- Tasks: Lead trading and purchasing for 11 retail stores, sourcing quality products and building supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a top food retailer in Northern Ireland known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy in your role, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the commercial strategy while working in a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or trading within foodservice or FMCG sectors; strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
- Other info: MCS Group offers a supportive environment with a 4.9-star Google rating for service excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to partner with a leading Food retailer in Northern Ireland, to recruit a Senior Trader/Buyer to join their Commercial team. Want a role with autonomy to run trading and purchasing across 11 different retail stores across the country? Have an entrepreneurial mindset? As a Trader/Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial buying strategy. You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices, building supplier relationships, and optimising stock levels to ensure availability, profitability, and alignment with customer demand.
You will work closely with our procurement, sales, category, and supply chain teams to analyse market trends, negotiate supplier terms, and deliver value across the business. You will be involved in:
- Identifying new products and supplier opportunities across foodservice categories (e.g. chilled, ambient, frozen, fresh produce, disposables).
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to secure best pricing, terms, and product quality.
- Negotiating buying terms, rebates, and cost prices in line with margin expectations and company strategy.
- Monitoring market trends, seasonal changes, competitor activity, and customer demand to inform buying decisions.
- Supporting the development and execution of category plans, including new product development.
Criteria:
- Proven experience in a Buyer, Trader, or Commercial role within the foodservice, FMCG, or wholesale sector.
- Strong commercial acumen with negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- A deep understanding of supply chain, procurement practices, and category management.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing abilities.
- Analytical mindset with strong Excel and reporting skills.
Full details upon application. To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Alan Montgomery, Specialist Consultant at MCS Group 02896935492.
Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs.
Not all agencies are the same… MCS Group are passionate about providing a first-class service to all our customers and have an independent review rating of 4.9 stars on Google.
Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service) employer: MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the foodservice industry. Understanding current market dynamics and consumer preferences will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food retail sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and supplier relationship management experiences. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these areas in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform buying decisions. Highlight any experience you have with Excel or reporting tools that can support your claims.
We think you need these skills to ace Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, trading, or commercial roles within the foodservice or FMCG sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and supplier relationship management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your entrepreneurial mindset and how you can contribute to the company's commercial buying strategy. Mention your understanding of market trends and your analytical skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong commercial acumen, interpersonal abilities, and proficiency in Excel. These skills are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider following up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the position. This shows initiative and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in trading or buying roles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated supplier terms or improved product quality while maintaining competitive pricing.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires a strong analytical mindset, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions. Be ready to discuss market trends and how they influenced your strategies.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
As a confident communicator, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your interpersonal skills to engage them in conversation about their experiences and insights within the foodservice sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to supplier negotiations or stock optimisation, and think through your approach to these challenges in advance.
