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- Tasks: Lead sourcing and purchasing for personal care products while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Dynamic personal care manufacturing business in Manchester with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available for junior buyers.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make an impact in the personal care industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or product development within FMCG or personal care sectors.
Location: Manchester (Ancoats)
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Head of Buying
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Buyer to join our fast-paced personal care manufacturing business. This role is responsible for sourcing raw materials, product development, and packaging, while ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and strong supplier relationships.
The ideal candidate will have proven buying/PD experience within FMCG, cosmetics, beauty, toiletries, or personal care manufacturing environments and be confident managing supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing projects, and cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead sourcing and purchasing activities for the personal care, skincare, healthcare categories.
- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements with suppliers.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service.
- Manage supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, and regular reviews.
- Ensure continuity of supply and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Planning, Quality, R&D, and Finance teams.
- Support new product development projects through supplier sourcing and onboarding.
- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and industry developments.
- Mentor and support junior buyers where applicable.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Product Development role within personal care, cosmetics, beauty, toiletries, FMCG, or manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of sourcing raw materials and packaging components.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience managing contracts and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Strong commercial and analytical capabilities.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and packaging compliance.
- Experience with international sourcing and import/export processes.
- Understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements within personal care manufacturing.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Career development opportunities
- Collaborative and innovative working environment
Senior Buyer (Personal Care) in Manchester employer: Cream Soda Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cream Soda Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer (Personal Care) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the personal care industry and let them know you're on the lookout 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 the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with their sourcing strategies and recent developments in the personal care market. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts and pricing. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team in the fast-paced world of personal care manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer (Personal Care) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in sourcing raw materials and managing supplier relationships, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in negotiation and strategic sourcing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about personal care manufacturing and how your background fits with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in FMCG or cosmetics that makes you stand out.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since we value strong commercial and analytical capabilities, don’t forget to highlight your data analysis skills. Mention any tools or methods you’ve used to identify cost-saving opportunities or manage supplier performance effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cream Soda Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of personal care products and the latest trends in the industry. Familiarise yourself with the company's product range and their sourcing strategies. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully managed. Be ready to discuss how you achieved cost savings while maintaining quality. This is crucial for a Senior Buyer role, so highlight your experience in supplier management and contract negotiations.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Demonstrate your understanding of supply chain dynamics and how they impact sourcing decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you've mitigated risks in the past and ensured continuity of supply. This will show that you can think strategically about sourcing.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to talk about your experience working cross-functionally. Share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders and how that has benefited your previous projects.