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, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Gain broad exposure across various spend categories and work 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.
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.
The Opportunity
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
What We’re Looking For
- 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
Additional Information
- 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
Benefits
- Bonus potential
- Pension scheme
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Exposure across procurement, operations, and supply chain
Why Join?
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 in Northampton employer: Henderson Brown
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business in Northamptonshire as a Senior Buyer, where you'll enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development. With a competitive salary and bonus potential, this role offers you the chance to take ownership of procurement processes while working closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring your contributions directly impact the company's operational success. Experience a rewarding career in a growing organisation that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Northampton
✨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. Familiarise yourself with their suppliers and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships and contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Northampton
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, don’t forget to mention any relevant tools or techniques you’ve used in your previous roles. We want to see how you can leverage data to drive procurement decisions.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨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.
✨Be Ready for Supplier Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience managing suppliers and contracts. Think of specific instances where you've negotiated terms or improved supplier performance, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Practice articulating how you've effectively communicated with internal stakeholders and suppliers in the past. Highlight your ability to balance operational needs with strategic goals.
