At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and build strong supplier relationships in fresh produce.
- Company: APS, a pioneer in British tomato production with over 70 years of experience.
- Benefits: Career development, pension scheme, life assurance, and free onsite parking.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while growing your career in a dynamic workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
APS provides high-quality tomatoes to the UK’s leading retailers, consistently introducing new varieties and sustainable methods. For more than 70 years, the company has been a pioneer in British tomato production, blending its rich heritage with cutting-edge technology. APS is committed to delivering exceptional produce while supporting employees' growth and fostering a vibrant, innovation-driven workplace.
We are currently looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Buyer to join our fresh produce procurement team and play a vital role in maintaining supplier relationships, supporting organisational objectives through strategic procurement practices and leading a small high-performing team.
What You'll Be Doing- Identify, evaluate, and select high‑quality suppliers across the fresh produce sector
- Develop and implement category procurement strategies
- Monitor market and industry trends to inform buying decisions
- Align purchasing plans with business goals, budgets, and operational needs
- Foster collaboration with Operations, Finance, Quality, and wider teams
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Track and report on procurement KPIs
- Analyse supplier performance, demand patterns, and purchasing data
- Use insights to support decision‑making and future planning
- Identify supply chain vulnerabilities and develop mitigation plans
- Ensure business continuity through alternative sourcing strategies
- Maintain compliance with company policies and industry standards
- Build, maintain, and enhance strong supplier relationships
- Negotiate effectively to ensure the best value, quality, and service
- Proven experience in procurement — ideally within FMCG or fresh produce
- Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
- Exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and commercial acumen
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and reporting
- SAP experience is a bonus—but training is available
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
- A proactive, problem‑solving mindset and drive for continuous improvement
If you're an experienced commercial buyer with a passion for fresh produce and a talent for building strong supplier partnerships and thrive in a fast‑paced environment where every decision shapes availability, quality, and value then we would love to hear from you! Click apply and submit an up to date CV.
Why Work for APS Produce?- Career Development and Growth Opportunities
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free Onsite Parking
At APS we are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce. Our aim is to ensure that our team reflects the diverse communities and customers we serve, and that everyone feels valued and respected. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
Senior Buyer in London employer: APS Produce Group
Contact Detail:
APS Produce Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fresh produce sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching APS and its procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their supplier relationships and market trends. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best value and quality. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the APS team and ready to dive into the fresh produce world.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in FMCG or fresh produce, and showcase your supplier management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do at APS!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or implemented successful procurement strategies. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out. We’re busy folks, so help us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at APS!
How to prepare for a job interview at APS Produce Group
✨Know Your Produce
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, especially tomatoes. Understand the latest trends in the market and be ready to discuss how you can leverage this knowledge in procurement strategies.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and any specific instances where you secured better value or quality for your previous employers.
✨Data is Key
Since advanced Excel skills are a must, come ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in your previous roles. Think of specific KPIs you've tracked and how those insights influenced your buying decisions.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of a time when you faced a supply chain challenge and how you overcame it. Be ready to explain your proactive approach and how you developed mitigation plans to ensure business continuity.