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- Tasks: Lead procurement operations, negotiate contracts, and build supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a values-driven company focused on teamwork, integrity, and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression and a competitive salary of up to £40,000 per annum.
- Why this job: Perfect for problem-solvers eager to make impactful connections in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of cold chain logistics required.
- Other info: Apply now to connect with exciting opportunities across various sectors!
Salary £28,000 – £38,000 per annum Full-time | Monday – Friday Redditch
Apply fast, check the full description by scrolling below to find out the full requirements for this role.
Are you a natural negotiator with a keen eye for value and a passion for keeping supply chains running smoothly? This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Category Buyer to join a leading food manufacturer, working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your input really makes a difference.
What’s on Offer for the Category Buyer role
£28,000 – £38,000 per year (depending on experience)
33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
Life assurance – 4x your salary
4% employer pension contribution
Staff sales & discount platform
Access to a GP hotline and Employee Assistance Programme
Key Responsibilities for the Category Buyer Role
Proactively resolving issues around delivery delays, inventory shortages, and quality concerns.
Negotiating pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to ensure the best possible value.
Building strong relationships with existing suppliers while scouting for new sourcing opportunities.
Monitoring supplier performance on quality, reliability, and on-time delivery.
Collaborating with production, technical, NPD, and warehouse teams to align purchasing strategies with business needs.
Keeping supplier contracts and purchasing commitments up to date.
Supporting NPD initiatives by sourcing raw materials and samples for product trials.
Contributing to continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives within the supply chain.
Ensuring compliance with A-list approved suppliers and food safety standards.
What is required for Category Buyer Role?
2–4 years of experience in procurement or buying, ideally within chilled food or perishable goods.
Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
Understanding of cold chain logistics and perishable inventory control.
Familiarity with ERP systems and food safety compliance.
Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
A proactive, adaptable approach with the confidence to influence and motivate others.
Knowledge of the UK supply base and retail sector is a plus.
We’re reviewing CVs right now – don’t miss out! Apply today or get in touch with Arden Personnel for more details.
Email: (url removed)
Call: (phone number removed) (Alcester) or (phone number removed) (Redditch)
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Arden Personnel – Connecting Talent with Opportunity
We proudly recruit across Redditch, Bromsgrove, Studley, Henley-in-Arden, Evesham, Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all age groups and backgrounds.
We specialise in placing talent in roles across Administration, Marketing, IT, HR, Finance, Customer Service, Purchasing, Engineering, and more.
Your next opportunity could be just a call or click away
Category Buyer employer: Arden Personnel
Contact Detail:
Arden Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement, especially within the food and fast-moving goods sectors. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement industry, particularly those who have experience as Category Buyers. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships in your previous roles. Being able to share these stories will showcase your skills and make you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and culture, as they emphasise teamwork, integrity, quality, and passion. Tailoring your approach to align with these values during interviews can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to drive cost-saving initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and your understanding of the role. Mention how your values align with those of the company, such as teamwork and integrity, and provide examples of how you've contributed to process improvements in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your familiarity with ERP systems, cold chain logistics, and vendor management. Clearly outline your communication skills and adaptability, as these are crucial for the Category Buyer position.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions carefully. If the job posting mentions specific documents or formats, make sure to adhere to those requirements when submitting your application through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden Personnel
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to understand the company's values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting relevant experiences from your procurement background.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Category Buyer, negotiation is key. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling supplier partnerships.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the role and company culture.
