At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of procurement for raw materials and logistics in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a growing food manufacturing business with strong investment and operational growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, pension scheme, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Gain broad exposure across various spend categories and work closely with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving procurement processes and supplier performance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in FMCG procurement, strong ERP/MRP skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Take ownership of end-to-end procurement across raw materials, packaging, logistics, and indirect spend within a food manufacturing business offering broad exposure and real operational influence.
We're supporting a food manufacturing business to recruit a Senior Buyer to take ownership of operational procurement across raw materials, packaging, utilities, logistics, indirect spend, and elements of Capex. This is a broad and operationally hands-on procurement role, responsible for supplier management, contract management, and purchasing control across the site. Working closely with finance, production, technical, logistics, and commercial teams, you'll play a key role in supporting supply continuity, supplier performance, and wider business objectives.
The role would suit an experienced FMCG procurement professional who enjoys balancing day-to-day operational buying with supplier management, process improvement, and commercial decision-making.
Key Responsibilities- Procure raw materials, packaging, services, utilities, logistics, and indirect spend in line with business requirements
- Manage sourcing activity, supplier tenders, negotiations, and contract agreements
- Raise and manage purchase orders through ERP/MRP systems
- Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and contract data
- Support operational and strategic supplier relationship management
- Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, service, and delivery
- Support budget reporting, purchasing KPIs, and procurement analysis
- Maintain audit-ready procurement records and supplier documentation
- Work cross-functionally with operations, technical, finance, supply chain, and commercial teams
- Minimum 5 years procurement or buying experience within FMCG or food manufacturing
- Strong ERP/MRP systems capability and confidence managing purchasing data
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- Experience managing suppliers across operational procurement categories
- Good understanding of purchasing contracts and commercial terms
- Organised, process-driven, and detail-focused approach
- Confident communicator able to work effectively across suppliers and internal teams
- Site-based role, Monday to Friday
- Broad procurement exposure across direct and indirect spend categories
- Opportunity to support procurement process improvement and supplier governance
- Growing business with strong investment and operational growth plans
- Bonus potential
- Pension scheme
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Exposure across procurement, operations, and supply chain
This is an excellent opportunity to join a food manufacturing business in a broad procurement role with genuine ownership and variety. You'll gain exposure across multiple spend categories, work closely with senior stakeholders, and play a key role in strengthening procurement processes and supplier performance as the business continues to scale.
Senior Buyer employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business in Northamptonshire as a Senior Buyer, where you'll enjoy a supportive and collaborative team environment that fosters professional growth. With a focus on operational procurement, you'll have the opportunity to influence key business decisions while benefiting from a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a strong pension scheme. This role offers a unique chance to engage with various spend categories and senior stakeholders, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Understand their supply chain challenges and think of ways you can add value. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the Senior Buyer they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts and manage suppliers effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those crucial interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in FMCG or food manufacturing, to show us you're the right fit for the Senior Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of your achievements in supplier management and contract negotiations to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since strong Excel and analytical skills are key for this role, consider including a brief section in your application that highlights your experience with data analysis and how it has positively impacted your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in FMCG and food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss your experience with raw materials, packaging, and logistics, as well as any specific projects where you've made a real impact.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since strong Excel and analytical skills are key for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've used these skills in past positions. Bring examples of how you've managed purchasing data or improved processes through analysis.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
This role requires effective communication across various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with finance, production, or logistics teams. Highlight your ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts.
✨Be Process-Driven and Organised
The interviewers will be looking for someone who is detail-focused and organised. Prepare to discuss how you maintain procurement records and manage purchase orders. Share your strategies for staying organised in a fast-paced environment.
