At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and negotiate with global suppliers to optimise costs and support growth.
- Company: Dynamic company based in Stoke-on-Trent offering a blend of home and office work.
- Benefits: Up to £43k salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career advancement in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a team that influences product sourcing and drives innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 or equivalent experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
THE ROLE
- Working in partnership with the Category team to deliver the category P&L, ensuring that sourcing decisions directly support margin, cost, and growth targets.
- Translate product specifications, volume forecasts, and price requirements into commercially viable sourcing strategies across domestic and international markets.
- Drive year-on-year cost-price reductions through proactive negotiation, supplier optimisation, and continuous cost-improvement initiatives.
- Provide regular performance reporting, analysing progress against KPIs and identifying corrective actions where targets are at risk.
- Source products from the most competitive global suppliers, including overseas manufacturers.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure favourable commercial terms, negotiate cost reductions, mitigate risk and identify new opportunities.
- Negotiate and manage all supplier agreements including contracts, SLA, NDAs.
- Develop new supplier pipelines both UK and international to support innovation, own-brand development, and long-term category growth.
- Attend relevant trade shows and supplier visits (some international travel).
- Manage end-to-end importing processes from any territory, ensuring compliance with customs, duty, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor supplier lead times, production schedules, and shipping timelines, expediting orders where necessary to maintain optimum stock levels.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in a senior procurement role.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in procurement from international markets.
- Knowledge of Import procedures.
- Familiar with KPIs and contract negotiation/management.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Computer literate (Excel, Power Point, Word).
- Commercially minded relationship builder.
- Ability to travel in UK and overseas holding full UK Driving License.
HOW TO APPLY
For more information on the Category Sourcing Buyer role, please contact Rob Hulse at Intro Personnel on 01782 413307 or e-mail your current CV.
Due to the expected high number of applicants for the Category Sourcing Buyer role, we regret that it may not be possible to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.
For a full list of Intro Personnel's current vacancies, please visit the Intro Personnel website and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Category Sourcing Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Sourcing Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 Category Sourcing Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
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 All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas!
✨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 All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas's culture.
