Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing for food products, negotiate contracts, and optimise inventory.
- Company: Join a fast-growing foodservice business making waves in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food buying, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset required.
- Other info: This role offers visibility and ownership in a high-impact position.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Food Buyer | London
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 DOE + Package
Contract Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Sector: Procurement / Buying
A fast-growing foodservice business is seeking a commercially focused Food Buyer to lead sourcing across key product categories. This is a high-impact role with real ownership, visibility, and the chance to shape procurement strategy in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing across food and ingredient categories
- Build and manage a high-performing supplier base
- Negotiate contracts and drive supplier performance
- Deliver cost savings, quality improvements, and product availability
- Support pricing strategies for tenders and new product launches
- Forecast market trends and communicate cost impacts
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, Sales, and Operations teams
- Plan for supply risks and support sustainability goals
- Optimise inventory levels and reduce stockholding costs
- Maintain a competitive core range to support growth
- Track and report category performance against KPIs
Candidate Profile
- 5+ years’ experience in food and ingredient buying
- Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
- Calm under pressure, adaptable, and solutions-focused
- Analytical mindset with solid numerical and Excel skills
- Team player with excellent organisation and communication
If you're ready to step into a commercially visible role with real strategic influence — apply now.
Food Buyer employer: Grafton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Grafton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food industry. Understanding market dynamics and emerging products will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and food buying sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in supplier management. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to drive cost savings and improve supplier performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Highlight any experience you have with Excel or other analytical tools that can support your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food and ingredient buying. Emphasise your negotiation skills, analytical mindset, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver cost savings and improve supplier performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the foodservice industry and your understanding of procurement strategies. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in leading sourcing and managing supplier relationships.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that reflect your impact in previous roles. For example, mention specific cost savings you achieved or successful negotiations that improved supplier performance.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a role that requires strong organisational skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grafton Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Food Buyer, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to drive results in a high-impact role.
✨Understand Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends in the food industry. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact procurement strategies and pricing. Showing that you can forecast market changes will highlight your analytical mindset.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully worked with technical, sales, and operations teams in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show you're a great fit for their dynamic environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Think of examples where you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or resolve supply risks, as this will showcase your calm and solutions-focused approach.
