At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and run procurement processes for food ingredients.
- Company: Leading UK food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, double pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career progression and skill development.
- Why this job: Gain valuable category buying experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or sourcing, with strong analytical and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
A strong opportunity for an ambitious direct procurement professional to build category buying experience with a leading UK food manufacturer.
Category Buyer – Ingredients / Raw Materials Northamptonshire Hybrid working – 3 days in the office, usually Tuesday to Thursday Permanent £42,000–£48,000 + bonus + double pension + benefits The Opportunity This is a great opportunity to join a leading UK food manufacturer in a Category Buyer role focused on ingredients and raw materials.
The business is strengthening its procurement function and investing in capability at Buyer level, creating a strong development opportunity for someone who wants to build broader category management experience.
You’ll support sourcing activity across defined ingredient spend areas, working closely with senior procurement colleagues, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
The role will involve RFx activity, supplier engagement, contract support, data analysis, reporting and commercial follow-through.
The category scope can be shaped around experience, but could include areas such as sugar, chocolate, cocoa, premixes, additives or flavourings.
Key Responsibilities You’ll be involved in: Running RFx events and tenders in line with category sourcing plans Managing supplier communication, bid processes, clarifications and timelines Supporting category plans through analysis, reporting and commercial insight Drafting, reviewing and negotiating simple to medium-complexity commercial agreements Tracking supplier performance, savings, risk, compliance and improvement activity Working with stakeholders to understand requirements and challenge assumptions with data Maintaining accurate supplier, contract, pricing and procurement records What We’re Looking For This role would suit someone with procurement, sourcing or commercial operations experience who is ready to step into a broader category buying role.
You’ll need to be organised, analytical and confident working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing or another fast-paced environment would be useful, but the key requirement is strong sourcing discipline, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Direct procurement, raw materials or ingredients experience would be particularly relevant.
Why Join?
This is a strong development role for someone who wants more category exposure, not just a narrow buying position.
You’ll be joining a recognised food manufacturing environment with investment in procurement capability, digital tools, analytics and supplier management.
There is scope to build technical procurement skills, develop commercial confidence and progress towards broader category management responsibility.
The package includes a salary of £42,000–£48,000, bonus opportunity and a strong wider benefits package.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Buyer – Food Ingredients / Raw Materials employer: Henderson Brown
Henderson Brown is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Northamptonshire, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. We offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the thriving food manufacturing sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our commercial strategy and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
