Food Buying Manager

Food Buying Manager

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Greene King

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage food categories and supplier relationships to ensure quality chicken products.
  • Company: Join Greene King, the UK's leading pub company and brewer.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, career development, and employee support programmes.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a historic brand and make a real impact in British hospitality.
  • Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Join us at Greene King, the country's leading pub company and brewer, where our mission is to pour happiness into lives and become the pride of great British hospitality. We have something special, deeply rooted in our 220-year brewing and pub history, creating the business we are proudly known for today. Still today our 39,000 strong team are the guardians of what’s wholly British, the pub experience.

As a Food Buying Manager (Chicken), you will play a key role in supporting our Managed pubs by ensuring the right chicken products are available, on time and to specification, while delivering value through strong supplier partnerships. You’ll work closely with Food Development and Supply Chain teams in a fast-paced, commercial environment.

Qualifications

As a Buyer you will…

  • Manage a defined range of food categories and supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, availability and value.
  • Lead commercial negotiations on pricing and contracts, making recommendations that support business objectives.
  • Work cross-functionally with Food Development, Supply Chain and wider teams to deliver against purchasing strategy.
  • Monitor supplier performance, compliance and contracts, ensuring agreed standards and service levels are met.
  • Identify market trends, risks and innovation opportunities to continuously improve our food offer.

What you’ll bring…

  • Proven experience managing suppliers and purchasing across multiple product categories.
  • Strong commercial and analytical skills, with confidence in negotiation and decision-making.
  • The ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Excellent planning, organisation and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • A customer-focused, collaborative mindset with a passion for developing your purchasing career.
  • Poultry or Chicken experience would be hugely advantageous but not essential.

Additional Information

We’re all about rewarding our team’s hard work, that’s why…

  • You’ll receive a competitive salary, pension contribution as well as:
  • The chance to further your career across our well-known brands – as one of the industry's top apprenticeship providers, we can provide training and development at each level of your career.
  • Discount of 33% for you and 15% for your loved ones on all of our brands – so you enjoy your favourite food and drink at a discount.
  • Free employee assistance program – mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
  • Discount of 50% for you and 25% for your loved ones at our Greene King Inns and hotels – so you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
  • Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn £1,500 for referring them!
  • Wagestream – access your wage before payday for when life happens.
  • Retail discounts – Receive up to 30% off at Superdrug, exclusive discounts with three mobile along with many more.

Food Buying Manager employer: Greene King

Greene King is an exceptional employer located in Burton upon Trent, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Digital Delivery Project Manager, you will benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training programmes, while being part of a team that values your contributions to driving digital transformation. With a commitment to work-life balance and a supportive environment, Greene King stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.

Greene King

Contact Details:

Greene King Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Food Buying Manager

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 Greene King.

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 Greene King!

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 Greene King, 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 Greene King, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Food Buying Manager

Supplier Relationship Management
Commercial Negotiation
Analytical Skills
Decision-Making
Stakeholder Influence
Planning and Organisation
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Greene King, 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 Greene King.

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 Greene King. 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 Greene King. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Greene King

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 Greene King’s mission.