At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of food ingredients and raw materials while collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Company: Leading UK food manufacturer focused on innovation and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, double pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth 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.
A strong opportunity for an ambitious direct procurement professional to build category buying experience with a leading UK food manufacturer.
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- 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
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 in Northampton 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer – Food Ingredients / Raw Materials in Northampton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Henderson Brown.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer – Food Ingredients / Raw Materials in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Henderson Brown:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Henderson Brown. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Henderson Brown.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Henderson Brown!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Henderson Brown. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Henderson Brown's culture.
