At a Glance
- 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!
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Redditch I Permanent I £40,000 per annum I 8am Start
Are you a procurement professional with a passion for strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and continuous improvement? Our client is seeking a Category Buyer to take the lead in managing inbound materials and supplier performance, ensuring efficiency and alignment across key business functions.
About the Role
As Category Buyer, you’ll be at the heart of procurement operations, ensuring that sourcing decisions align with company goals while supporting production timelines and quality expectations. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally and drive measurable improvements in supplier reliability, cost-effectiveness, and process efficiency.
This role is ideal for someone looking to progress their career in a fast-paced and values-led environment. Our client champions teamwork, integrity, quality, and passion—all essential in this advanced contributor-level role. If you thrive on problem-solving and building relationships that make a difference, we’d love to hear from you
What You’ll Be Doing in this Category Buyer Role
- Negotiating contracts and pricing to drive best value
- Building and nurturing supplier relationships
- Identifying new sourcing opportunities
- Monitoring delivery schedules and supplier KPIs
- Supporting New Product Development (NPD) trials and sourcing samples
- Analysing market trends to uncover cost-saving initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with approved supplier lists
- Contributing to process and performance improvement across procurement functions
What You’ll Bring to this Category Buyer Role
- 2–4 years’ experience in procurement, ideally within food or fast-moving goods
- Strong negotiation andvendor management skills
- Knowledge of cold chain logistics and perishable goods handling
- Familiarity with ERP systems and regulatory standards
- Clear and effective communication skills
- Adaptability, resilience, and a proactive mindset
- Ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally
- Strong market understanding and commercial awareness
What\’s on Offer in this Category Buyer Role?
- Career progression
- A company who champions teamwork, integrity, quality, and passion.
- Salary upto £40,000 per annum
Apply today or get in touch with Arden Personnel for more details.
We’re reviewing CVs right now – don’t miss out!
Email: l.fletcher@ardenpersonnel.co.uk
Call: 01789 532220 (Alcester) or 01527 911700 (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!
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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.