Food Buyer

Food Buyer

Slough Full-Time 34000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sourcing for food categories and manage supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing foodservice business making waves in the industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive package.
  • Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in food buying with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
  • Other info: This role offers visibility and strategic influence in a collaborative team.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 50000 £ per year.

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

Join a fast-growing foodservice business in London that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly make an impact as a Food Buyer. With a competitive salary package and hybrid working options, the company fosters a culture of growth and development, providing ample opportunities for professional advancement while supporting sustainability goals. Experience the thrill of shaping procurement strategies and driving supplier performance in a role that promises both challenge and reward.
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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 or even refer you to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your negotiation successes. Highlighting your ability to drive cost savings and improve supplier performance will showcase your value to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s current suppliers and product offerings. Being knowledgeable about their operations will allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview, showing your genuine interest in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Food Buyer

Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Excel Proficiency
Decision-Making Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Cost Analysis
Market Trend Forecasting
Inventory Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Team Collaboration
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Food Buyer. Familiarise yourself with key terms like sourcing, supplier management, and cost savings to tailor your application effectively.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 5+ years of experience in food and ingredient buying. Provide specific examples of successful negotiations or cost-saving initiatives you've led to demonstrate your capabilities.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires an analytical mindset, include any relevant experience with data analysis or Excel. Mention specific tools or methods you’ve used to forecast market trends or track performance against KPIs.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the company's goals and how your skills align with their needs. Mention your adaptability and solutions-focused approach, as these traits are crucial for the dynamic environment described.

How to prepare for a job interview at Grafton Recruitment

✨Know Your Market

Familiarise yourself with current trends in the food industry. Understand what products are in demand and how pricing strategies are evolving. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to forecast market trends during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier performance. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role.

✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration

Be prepared to talk about your experience working with different teams, such as Technical, Sales, and Operations. Emphasising your ability to collaborate effectively will show that you can support pricing strategies and new product launches successfully.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Think of specific instances where you faced supply risks or inventory challenges and how you addressed them. Showing that you can remain calm under pressure and find solutions will resonate well with the interviewers.

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