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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.
Locations
Senior Buyer employer: The Sterling Choice
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice 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 or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in food procurement and supply chain management. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and innovations will help you stand out during discussions and demonstrate your commitment to driving strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored others or led projects, as this role requires strong leadership qualities.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and mission. Understanding their approach to supplier relationships and commercial strategy will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 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 you can drive strategy and build long-term supplier partnerships, aligning your skills with the job requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on specific examples of how you've managed contracts, negotiated terms, and provided market insights. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as cost savings or improved supplier relationships.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your excitement about the opportunity to take ownership of a category and manage a team. Mention your readiness for career progression and how this role aligns with your professional goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice
✨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 of how you've 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 successfully managed supplier relationships in the past, focusing on outcomes that went beyond just price negotiations.
✨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 your previous buying roles, showcasing your practical experience over qualifications.
