Buyer in Surrey

Buyer

Location: Surrey | Hybrid Working (3 Days Office / 2 Days Home)

I'm currently partnering with a growing business within the nutrition and food manufacturing sector to recruit a Buyer. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys combining commercial analysis, supplier management, and strategic sourcing within a fast-paced environment.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the business secures the right materials, at the right quality, cost, and lead time. You'll work closely with Procurement, Operations, NPD, Quality, and suppliers to support both day-to-day purchasing activities and longer-term sourcing initiatives.

Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement, Sourcing & Commercial Analysis

• Support RFQs, tenders, and sourcing activities across raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing services.
• Evaluate supplier proposals based on total cost, quality, lead times, payment terms, MOQs, and supply risk.
• Analyse market trends, commodity movements, freight costs, exchange rates, and other cost drivers to identify risks and opportunities.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking exercises and maintain accurate pricing and market intelligence.
• Support the development and implementation of sourcing and category strategies.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to support procurement decision-making.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor supplier performance against key metrics including OTIF, lead times, quote accuracy, and cost savings.
• Produce regular KPI, spend, and savings reports, highlighting trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support supplier reviews and continuous improvement initiatives with internal stakeholders.

Systems & Data Management

• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, material, and lead-time information within the ERP system.
• Manage procurement records including specifications, contracts, compliance documentation, approvals, and price files.
• Raise and manage purchase orders as required.
• Support procurement process improvements and best-practice initiatives.

Commercial Negotiation & Cost Optimisation

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs, payment terms, and commercial agreements with suppliers.
• Support supplier payment term management and cash flow optimisation activities.
• Identify and deliver cost-reduction opportunities through supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing strategies, specification reviews, and volume agreements.
• Track and report savings achieved across the supply base.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Support supplier onboarding and qualification processes alongside Quality teams.
• Partner with NPD from concept through to product launch, ensuring stakeholders are kept informed on costs, lead times, and supply feasibility.
• Support activities that improve supplier resilience and strengthen continuity of supply.

Candidate RequirementsEssential Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Buyer or Category Buyer position.
• Previous procurement experience within the food, nutrition, supplements, or broader FMCG sector.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Experience analysing supplier performance, costs, and market data to support commercial decisions.
• Strong understanding of sourcing, tendering, and procurement best practice.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and confidence to challenge data, processes, and supplier proposals.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and delivering commercial value.

This role offers the opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation where procurement is recognised as a key driver of business performance, with genuine scope to influence supplier strategy, cost optimisation, and operational success.