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- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage food categories for the NHS.
- Company: Join a purpose-led organisation making a real impact on the NHS.
- Benefits: Full training, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement while helping improve food solutions for the NHS.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and a proactive mindset; experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid role with opportunities for travel and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Junior Category Buyer to join our NHS Supply Chain: Food team, supporting the delivery of value, savings and high-quality food solutions for the NHS. In this role, you’ll support the end-to-end procurement process across assigned food categories, working closely with Category Buyers and Category Leads. You’ll play a key role in category administration, data accuracy, supplier engagement and tendering activity, helping ensure we meet our commercial targets while staying fully compliant with public procurement regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their buying or procurement career who is highly organised, detail-focused and keen to develop within a structured, supportive environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting buyers with category management and administration
- Maintaining accurate systems, trackers and product data
- Assisting with tendering and sourcing activities, in line with PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023
- Analysing and summarising data to support decision-making
- Supporting supplier relationship management and performance tracking
- Working cross‑functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders
- Helping deliver value, savings and growth for both NHS clients and supplier partners
- Managing your own workload and stakeholder expectations effectively
Who You’ll Work With
- Category Development teams
- External suppliers
- NHS Trust and client stakeholders
- Account Managers
- Finance and Project Management teams
- Marketing & Communications
- Culinary Leads and Dieticians
What We’re Looking For
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
- Confidence working with data and systems
- Clear, professional communication skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- A proactive mindset and enthusiasm for procurement and category management
- Understanding of (or willingness to learn) public sector procurement regulations
Experience with procurement systems or food categories is beneficial, but not essential — full training and development will be provided.
Learning & Development
We’re committed to supporting your long-term career progression. You’ll receive structured development across:
- Procurement and category systems (Cognos, OEC, Jaggaer, PRDB, Product Hub)
- Public procurement regulations and frameworks
- NHS Supply Chain and Compass Group UK & Ireland operations
Clear career pathways and progression opportunities are available for high performers.
Location & Requirements
Based in Chertsey, Normanton or Chester, depending on home location. Some UK travel to sites and offices. Laptop and mobile phone provided.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a purpose‑led organisation making a real impact on the NHS, with access to strong development opportunities, supportive leadership and a clear route for career growth within procurement.
Junior Buyer in Ottershaw employer: Foodbuy
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer in Ottershaw
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those working in the NHS or similar sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for Junior Buyers. Think about how your skills align with the job description and be ready to share examples of your attention to detail and organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for procurement! During interviews, express your eagerness to learn about public sector regulations and how you can contribute to delivering value and savings for the NHS.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team at NHS Supply Chain: Food.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer in Ottershaw
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience in procurement or data management, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our NHS Supply Chain: Food team. Keep it professional but let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your organisational skills and ability to work with data. Mention any experience you have with procurement systems or food categories, even if it's just a willingness to learn more about them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on public sector procurement regulations like PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Understanding these will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions about compliance and best practices.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Junior Buyer, attention to detail is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed data or maintained accurate systems. This will demonstrate your ability to handle category administration effectively.
✨Prepare for Data Discussions
Since you'll be working with data analysis, be ready to discuss how you've used data to support decision-making in previous roles or projects. If you have any experience with procurement systems, mention it to highlight your readiness to learn and adapt.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build effective working relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, as this will be crucial in your role supporting buyers and engaging with suppliers.