Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and supplier relationships for NHS food services.
- Company: Foodbuy is a leading UK food procurement organisation, serving over 150 NHS Trusts.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact in public health and procurement efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and knowledge of relevant regulations required.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available; perfect for entry-level candidates passionate about procurement.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Chertsey/Chester or Normanton / Hybrid
Company: Foodbuy UK
Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation in the UK, managing over £2.3bn in spend. We bring together a wide range of foodservice and hospitality clients to provide best-in-class food and non-food procurement solutions. Since being awarded the NHS Supply Chain contract in 2018, we have been responsible for sourcing food for over 150 NHS Trusts across the UK.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Category Buyer to join our team. As a NHSSC Category Buyer, you will manage the entire end to end procurement process for your category on behalf of NHS Supply Chain: Food. You will manage all category supplier relationships, engage and support a wide range of stakeholders and execute best sourcing procurement processes in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015/Procurement Act 2023.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilise the Jaggaer eProcurement portal to run tenders, Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), e-auctions.
- Ensure all procurement activities are conducted fairly and transparently while identifying opportunities for process improvements within Jaggaer.
- Develop professional, consistent, and compliant further competition documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user guides.
- Create and deliver training and awareness programmes for stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams.
- Contribute to Category and Sourcing Strategies, helping to achieve cost savings and enhance procurement efficiency for NHS clients.
- Support market growth and cost-saving objectives by identifying opportunities to drive value and innovation within procurement practices.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across various functions, collaborating effectively to achieve strategic procurement goals.
About You
- Passionate about procurement governance and compliance, with a strong motivation to protect and enhance business operations.
- Experience in public sector procurement, ideally within the food industry.
- Strong knowledge of Procurement Act 2023, Public Contract Regulations 2015, and NHS procurement frameworks.
- Hands-on experience using Jaggaer eProcurement systems or similar procurement platforms.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with an aptitude for improving processes and driving efficiencies.
- Ability to develop and deliver training programmes, ensuring best practices are upheld across teams.
- A proactive, detail-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
Why Join Foodbuy?
As well as a competitive salary and benefits including bonus and private, we are committed to developing talent and providing clear career pathways. We offer structured learning and development programmes, career progression opportunities, and a chance to be part of a procurement team that makes a real impact—delivering value and savings for the NHS and other key clients.
Apply now and take the next step in your procurement career with Foodbuy UK!
Category Buyer employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Jaggaer eProcurement portal, as it's a key tool for the Category Buyer role. Understanding how to navigate and utilise this system will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will demonstrate your expertise in public sector procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the food procurement industry, especially those who have experience with NHS procurement frameworks. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills by thinking of examples where you've improved processes or driven efficiencies in previous roles. This will highlight your proactive approach to procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Category Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in procurement, especially within the public sector and food industry.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your hands-on experience with eProcurement systems like Jaggaer, as well as your knowledge of procurement regulations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in stakeholder management and process improvement.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement governance and compliance. Mention how your background aligns with Foodbuy's mission and values, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their procurement team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professionally formatted to make a strong impression on the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy Group
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will demonstrate your understanding of the legal framework governing public sector procurement.
✨Showcase Your Jaggaer Experience
If you have hands-on experience with Jaggaer or similar eProcurement systems, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used these tools in past roles. Highlight any successful tenders or projects you've managed using these platforms.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've engaged and influenced various teams to achieve procurement goals, as this is crucial for the Category Buyer role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Problem-Solving
Be ready to discuss instances where you've identified process improvements or cost-saving opportunities. Use data or specific outcomes to illustrate your analytical skills and how they can benefit Foodbuy's procurement efficiency.
