At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives in food manufacturing.
- Company: Reputable food manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing industry while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in food procurement, strong negotiation skills, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62000 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £55,000 - £62,000 base salary
Location: London
Monday - Friday | Site Based
We're working with our good friends at a long-established and highly respected food manufacturer to recruit an experienced Senior Buyer. This is an exciting opportunity to join a business that has built an outstanding reputation within the food manufacturing industry through quality, innovation and continued investment. Supplying products to customers across the UK and internationally recognised, the business continues to grow and is now looking for a commercially minded procurement professional to take ownership of its purchasing function.
Working closely with the Financial Controller and senior leadership team, you'll play a key role in ensuring materials, ingredients and services are sourced competitively while maintaining exceptional quality, supplier relationships and continuity of supply.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee purchasing, stock control and warehouse operations, whilst managing supplier relationships and identifying opportunities to improve cost, efficiency and service levels across the business. You'll collaborate closely with Operations, Technical, Engineering, Sales and Finance to ensure the business continues to operate efficiently within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the purchasing function across raw materials, packaging and services
- Source, negotiate and manage supplier agreements to achieve the best commercial outcomes
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service
- Build long-term supplier partnerships and manage supplier performance
- Monitor market trends, pricing and supply risks
- Maintain stock availability whilst managing inventory levels and cash flow
- Prepare purchase orders and manage procurement reporting
- Lead and develop the Buying and Warehouse teams
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Technical, Engineering and Sales to support business performance
- Drive continuous improvement across procurement and warehouse operations
About You
We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys building supplier relationships, negotiating commercially and working within a fast-moving manufacturing environment. You'll ideally have:
- Previous buying or procurement experience within food manufacturing
- Experience leading or mentoring a purchasing team
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Commercial awareness with a proven track record of delivering cost savings
- Experience managing stock levels and supply continuity
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong Excel skills (SAP experience would be advantageous)
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) would be beneficial
What's on Offer
- Join a well-established and continually growing food manufacturer
- Opportunity to progress your career as the business continues to expand
- Genuine opportunity to influence purchasing strategy
- Work alongside an experienced and supportive leadership team
- A varied role with responsibility across procurement, supplier management and warehouse operations
- Competitive salary package depending on experience
If you're an experienced Buyer or Senior Buyer looking to make a real impact within a growing food manufacturing business, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Buyer in London employer: Found Food & Drink
Join a highly respected food manufacturer in London, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to quality and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, this company offers a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration across departments, providing you with the opportunity to influence purchasing strategies and drive continuous improvement. Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Found Food & Drink.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Found Food & Drink!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Found Food & Drink, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Found Food & Drink, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Found Food & Drink, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Found Food & Drink.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Found Food & Drink. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Found Food & Drink. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Found Food & Drink
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Found Food & Drink’s mission.
