At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Category Buyer for Dairy, managing procurement and supplier relationships.
- Company: Foodbuy is the UK's leading food procurement organisation, part of Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, pension contributions, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Access excellent learning and development opportunities within a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven business making a difference in the UK food landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in food procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for the food industry required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Category Buyer – Dairy
Location: Chertsey or London | Hybrid Working | Part of Compass Group UK&I
About Us
Foodbuy is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2 billion of spend across food and non-food categories. We unite an extensive network of foodservice and hospitality clients, helping them buy smarter so they can focus on what matters most to their businesses.
As the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation and part of the Compass Group UK & Ireland family, we partner directly with manufacturers and growers—ranging from leading global brands to local suppliers. Our scale and reach create exciting career opportunities within a FTSE 100 business, where purpose, people, and performance go hand in hand.
The Role
We’re looking for a Category Buyer – Dairy to join our food-loving, fast-paced team. In this role, you’ll support the end-to-end procurement process, helping to shape and deliver our Dairy category strategy. You’ll be responsible for contract negotiations, supplier management, pricing, and ensuring product quality—all while delivering great commercial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Category Development Manager in delivering a long-term strategy for Dairy, driving improvements in cost, quality, innovation, and service.
Work closely with finance to meet or exceed operating cash flow and savings targets.
Build strong supplier relationships, from identifying new partners to managing ongoing performance.
Analyse cost drivers and market trends to inform sourcing decisions and pricing strategies.
Ensure sustainable, long-term pricing mechanisms across various commodities and routes to market.
Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure consistent and timely delivery.
Champion compliance with food safety, CSR, and nutritional standards.
Own the Dairy category spend and be accountable for its performance.
Evaluate supplier bids in collaboration with the sourcing team, using your category expertise.
Share market insights across the business and support the sales and bid teams.
Maintain supplier price files and manage category-related queries.
Drive compliance through use of contracted suppliers and core product ranges.
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in food procurement or sourcing.
Results-driven with a track record of meeting ambitious targets.
Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
Experience with procurement systems (e.g. Jaggaer, SAP, Coupa – or similar).
Excellent relationship-building skills and the confidence to influence stakeholders.
A genuine passion for food and the food industry.
Organised, analytical, and capable of managing multiple projects at once.
Why Join Foodbuy?
You\'ll get a competitive salary, bonus, pension contributions and private healthcare
Be part of a purpose-driven business making a difference to the UK food landscape.
Grow your career with one of the UK’s most respected procurement organisations.
Enjoy a collaborative, inclusive team culture where your ideas are valued.
Access excellent learning, development, and progression opportunities within Compass Group.
Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £0 per year Chertsey Central Functions employer: Chartwells Independent
At Foodbuy, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the food procurement sector, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Chertsey or London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive learning and development opportunities, competitive benefits including private healthcare, and a collaborative culture that values your contributions. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the UK food landscape while advancing your career within a respected FTSE 100 company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £0 per year Chertsey Central Functions
✨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 Chartwells Independent.
✨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 Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £0 per year Chertsey Central Functions
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 Chartwells Independent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨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 Chartwells Independent!
✨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 Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent's culture.
