At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage food procurement and supplier relationships for UK and Europe, driving innovative product solutions.
- Company: Join En Route International, part of dnata, a global leader in air services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, medical insurance, and 25 days off per year.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while collaborating with diverse teams and suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in food procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and social events.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Windsor, UK
Salary: Up to £65k per annum
Job Type: Fulltime, 15 Month FTC - January Start
En Route International operates globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers. With offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE, En Route supplies premium baked goods, meals and snacks to the travel industry. We focus on partnering with world-class manufacturers, customising products and packaging to suit individual customer needs while managing a complex supply chain with the highest levels of precision.
Reporting to Head of Procurement, you will manage the Procurement of agreed food, non-food and/or packaging and services suppliers for UK and Europe. Taking a category management approach, you will support the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing the Procurement strategy for UK & Europe, creating a supply base fit for purpose in meeting En Route’s growth objectives.
Key responsibilities:
- To work with the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing a clear supply base strategy to deliver En Route’s requirements in UK & Europe, aligned with the global strategy.
- To manage the UK & European Supply base on a day-to-day basis ensuring all relationships, commercials and opportunities are complete and delivered.
- To negotiate and manage Contracts and Terms with Suppliers.
- To identify, implement and monitor opportunities to improve cost savings, project deliverables and supplier selection, reporting progress on a regular basis.
- To work collaboratively with Product Development and Supply Chain teams to support the creation of innovative product solutions and their distribution in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- To manage the Supplier listing and start-up process, category reporting and category action plans.
- To take a proactive approach in understanding the markets in which En Route operates, identifying Procurement opportunities and risks and taking appropriate and timely action in coordination with the P&SC Director.
- To work closely with the Supply Chain teams to ensure terms and conditions agreed with Suppliers support the maintenance of excellent product availability, ensuring strong levels of customer service.
Our Values:
- Collaborate; multi functional teams drive successful projects here, we trust each other to achieve our mission. Together we are En-Route.
- Say it as it is: We have a point of view based on our expertise. We express ourselves honestly to create meaningful conversations.
- Find a way; With a clear vision of the end-state, we relish the thrill of uncovering bold, unconventional paths to get there.
- Own it; Leadership is defined by initiative and responsibility. We have autonomy, tools and guidance, and we make impactful decisions from any position.
- Represent the customer; As an extension of their business, we live their lives and understand their everyday challenges. We do what’s right by them in every action we take.
Person Specification:
Knowledge and skills:
- Experienced Food & Beverage Procurement professional.
- Experience with retail or grocery buying highly desired.
- Experience of Buying Packaging and non-Food categories.
- Good knowledge of the UK and/or European supply markets.
- A strong negotiator with demonstrated ability to develop and manage sustainable Supplier relationships.
- Comfortable with the negotiation, development and management of Supplier Contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks across Food and non-Food categories.
- Evidence of strong collaboration with other functions.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Specific aptitudes / skills:
- Educated to Degree level preferred.
- Birthday day off.
- 25 days off a year.
- Company bonus scheme.
- Hybrid Working (3 days in office).
- Medical Insurance.
- Referral Scheme.
- Social Events.
- Flexi Time.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Supply Chain and Purchasing
Industries: Food and Beverage Retail and Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Senior Food Buyer (Maternity Cover) employer: En Route International
Contact Detail:
En Route International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Food Buyer (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food and beverage events. 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 En Route International and their procurement strategies. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering top-notch products.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Food Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with those tough conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Food Buyer (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Food Buyer role. Highlight your experience in food and beverage procurement, especially any retail or grocery buying you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for procurement and how you can contribute to En Route's growth objectives. Be honest and let your personality come through – we love that!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, make sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We want to know how you've built sustainable supplier relationships and managed contracts effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! 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 at En Route!
How to prepare for a job interview at En Route International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the food and beverage procurement industry, especially in relation to retail and grocery buying. Familiarise yourself with current trends in the UK and European supply markets, as well as any recent developments in packaging and non-food categories.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully managed. Be ready to discuss how you developed and maintained sustainable supplier relationships, and how you handled contracts. This will demonstrate your strong negotiation abilities and your comfort with managing supplier contracts.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively in the past. Be prepared to share how you’ve worked with product development and supply chain teams to create innovative solutions, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with En Route International's core values: collaboration, honesty, innovation, ownership, and customer representation. During the interview, try to weave these values into your responses to show that you align with their culture and can contribute positively to their mission.