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- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage data for key categories in food services.
- Company: Join Foodbuy UK, a leader in food procurement for the NHS and hospitality sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, structured learning, and clear career pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector services while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for food or hospitality; experience with Microsoft Office tools is a plus.
- Other info: Ideal for those eager to learn and grow in a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Junior Category Buyer
Location: Chester / Hybrid (UK-based)
Company: Foodbuy UK
Join Foodbuy UK, a leading food procurement organisation managing over £1 billion in annual spend across the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Since 2018, we\’ve proudly supported over 150 NHS Trusts by delivering compliant, value-driven food procurement as part of the NHS Supply Chain: Food contract.
We’re now looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Junior Category Buyer to join our NHS-focused team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for procurement, data, or the food and hospitality industry to develop in a purpose-driven environment. You\’ll play a vital role in supporting the end-to-end procurement process for key categories—helping to ensure accurate systems, effective stakeholder engagement, and robust sourcing in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
Key Responsibilities
- Support procurement processes across categories, including running tenders, DPS, and e-auctions through the Jaggaer eProcurement platform.
- Help maintain accurate systems, trackers, and documentation to support effective procurement governance.
- Assist with the creation of further competition documents and contribute to SOPs, guides, and templates.
- Support supplier management and stakeholder engagement across NHS Trusts and internal teams.
- Analyse data to support cost savings, category strategies, and procurement efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for improvement within procurement systems and processes.
- Contribute to category strategy and sourcing initiatives that drive value and innovation in public sector food procurement.
About You
- Passionate about the food or hospitality sector with an interest in public procurement.
- Some experience or knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
- Prior experience in procurement or the public sector is desirable but not essential.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; comfortable working with data and systems.
- Clear communicator with the ability to build relationships across teams and stakeholders.
- Well-organised, detail-oriented, and proactive in managing multiple tasks and priorities.
- Curious and eager to learn, with a mindset for continuous improvement and personal development.
Why Join Foodbuy?
- Work on projects that make a real difference—supporting the NHS through smarter food procurement.
- Access to structured learning and development programmes and clear career pathways.
- Join a supportive, high-performing team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Grow your procurement skills while making a positive impact on public sector services
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Junior Buyer employer: Foodbuy
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Jaggaer eProcurement platform, as it's a key tool for the role. Consider taking online tutorials or webinars to get a head start on how to navigate and utilise this system effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food procurement and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at Foodbuy.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills, especially in Excel. Being comfortable with data analysis will help you stand out, so practice creating spreadsheets, using formulas, and generating reports that could be relevant to procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for the food and hospitality sector by staying updated on industry trends. Follow relevant news sources and engage with content that showcases innovative practices in public procurement to show your enthusiasm during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to procurement, data analysis, and the food or hospitality sector. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and the food industry. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Junior Category Buyer position and express your eagerness to contribute to Foodbuy UK's mission.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your experience with data analysis and problem-solving. This could include projects or tasks where you successfully used data to drive decisions.
Show Enthusiasm for Learning: Convey your curiosity and eagerness to learn in your application. Mention any relevant courses, certifications, or personal projects that reflect your commitment to continuous improvement and professional development in procurement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Show Your Passion for Procurement
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the food and hospitality sector during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in procurement, especially within the public sector.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data in previous roles or studies. Be ready to provide examples of how you’ve analysed information to support decision-making or improve processes, as this is crucial for the Junior Buyer role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Jaggaer
Since the role involves using the Jaggaer eProcurement platform, it’s beneficial to research this tool beforehand. Understanding its functionalities will show your proactive approach and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare Questions for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about questions you can ask regarding stakeholder engagement and supplier management. This shows your understanding of the role's responsibilities and your eagerness to collaborate effectively with teams and suppliers.
