At a Glance
- Tasks: Support supplier engagement and assist with contract negotiations in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join 2 Sisters Food Group, a leading UK food manufacturer with a strong presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days' holiday, health support, and discounts, plus a competitive salary.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on internal progression and skill development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your procurement career with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Some procurement experience is helpful; a willingness to learn is key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Working Hours: Hybrid working in the office 3 x days per week
Highly Competitive + Excellent Benefits Package + Progression
About Us
Join 2 Sisters Food Group, one of the UK's largest food manufacturers, with an annual turnover exceeding £3 billion and around 13,000 employees across 16 sites. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to further develop their procurement career within a fast-paced, supportive environment. We have a strong presence in poultry, chilled, and bakery categories. We're committed to delivering high-quality products to UK consumers and to major retail and foodservice customers such as Aldi, Asda, Co-op, KFC, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.
About the Role
As a Procurement Buyer, you'll join a collaborative team working across Indirect Procurement categories including IT, HR, and Factory Services. Day-to-day, you'll support supplier engagement, assist with contract negotiations and tender processes (RFI/RFQ), and help implement supplier agreements and category plans. This is a hands-on role with plenty of exposure, offering a strong platform to build experience across multiple procurement activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Manager/Head of Procurement with RFI, RFQ, and ITT preparation
- Identify and onboard new suppliers
- Assist in implementing supplier agreements
- Support supplier negotiations
- Contribute to the delivery of category plans
About You
You may already have some experience in procurement or a related role and be looking to take the next step in your career. Exposure to supplier interaction, tender processes, or negotiations would be beneficial, but just as important is a willingness to learn and develop. We're looking for someone proactive and motivated, who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to gain experience across a range of procurement projects. You'll have the opportunity to support high-profile initiatives while developing your skills within a business known for internal progression.
Key Skills
- Previous experience in procurement or a similar role (e.g. Assistant, Coordinator, or Specialist)
- Basic understanding of Indirect Procurement, supplier engagement, and tender processes is advantageous
- Interest in building relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
- Transferable skills from direct procurement will also be considered
- MCIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable but not essential
Benefits
- 33 days' holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme & Grocery Aid (free, confidential support 365 days a year)
- Boparan Restaurant Group discount
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Refer a Friend Scheme
Why Join Us?
As one of the UK's largest food manufacturers, we offer genuine opportunities for development and career progression. We're proud of our focus on internal growth, giving you the chance to build your skills and progress your career over time.
Procurement Buyer employer: 2 Sisters Food Group
Join 2 Sisters Food Group, a leading player in the UK's food manufacturing sector, where you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including 33 days' holiday and access to confidential support services, ensuring you have the resources to grow your procurement career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 2 Sisters Food Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 2 Sisters Food Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 2 Sisters Food Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 2 Sisters Food Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 2 Sisters Food Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 2 Sisters Food Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 2 Sisters Food Group's culture.
