At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting sourcing projects and analyse supplier bids to drive value.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a top-tier food procurement organisation with a collaborative vibe.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic procurement while working with diverse clients.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid/London/Chertsey
Foodbuy is a leading £2bn+ food procurement organisation, delivering best-in-class category expertise and sourcing solutions to a wide range of clients across the UK & Ireland. We combine scale, insight and supplier partnerships to drive value, innovation and sustainable supply chains.
We’re looking for a Strategic Sourcing Buyer to join our growing Strategic Sourcing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional to work on end-to-end sourcing projects, build category expertise, and contribute to delivering tangible value for clients.
The Role
As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer, you’ll play a key role in delivering competitive sourcing activity in line with the Foodbuy Procurement Framework. You’ll take spend to market, analyse supplier responses, and support the development of robust commercial recommendations. Working closely with Category, GPO, Account and Supply Chain teams, you’ll help ensure sourcing activity aligns with client needs, market dynamics and wider business priorities across cost, quality, service, sustainability and risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Sourcing Delivery
- Deliver end-to-end sourcing projects across a range of categories
- Run compliant tender processes using eSourcing tools
- Analyse bids and build clear commercial comparisons
- Support delivery of savings, quality and service outcomes
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with Category, GPO and Account teams to deliver sourcing activity
- Provide insight and analysis to support decision-making
- Build strong relationships internally and with suppliers
- Market & Commercial Insight
- Develop knowledge of category markets, suppliers and cost drivers
- Gather and interpret market intelligence to inform strategies
- Support price and risk discussions with relevant stakeholders
- Process & Governance
- Ensure sourcing activity meets governance and compliance standards
- Maintain clear documentation and audit trails
- Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes
- Value Tracking & Reporting
- Support savings validation and value tracking
- Contribute to pipeline and performance reporting
- Ensure clear articulation of sourcing outcomes
About You
- Experience in procurement, sourcing or commercial roles (ideally within foodservice, retail or FMCG)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate insight
- Good understanding of sourcing and tendering processes
- Commercially aware, with strong attention to detail
- Confident communicator who can engage a range of stakeholders
- Organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities
Desirable
- Exposure to eSourcing platforms such as Scanmarket
- Understanding of category management or supply chain
- CIPS qualified or working towards qualification
Why Join Foodbuy?
- Work on high-impact sourcing projects across diverse categories
- Gain exposure to strategic procurement environments and leading clients
- Develop commercial expertise within a fast-paced, collaborative team
- Build a career with a market-leading procurement organisation
Strategic Sourcing Buyer in London employer: Chartwells Independent
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where procurement professionals can thrive while working on high-impact sourcing projects. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities to develop commercial expertise in a fast-paced environment, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model in London and Chertsey. Join us to be part of a leading £2bn+ food procurement organisation that values innovation, sustainability, and strong supplier partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Buyer in London
✨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 Strategic Sourcing Buyer in London
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.
