At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead packaging procurement and ingredient sourcing to drive innovation and sustainability.
- Company: Join Indigo Food Group, a growing business with a focus on impact and development.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career growth, ownership of key categories, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and relationship-building.
- Why this job: Become a packaging expert and make a real difference in a thriving food business.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in packaging procurement, strong negotiation skills, and FMCG experience.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
At Indigo Food Group, we're looking for a proactive and dynamic Category Buyer to lead our packaging procurement activities while supporting ingredient sourcing across the Group.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a real impact, develop into a recognised packaging expert, and help drive innovation, sustainability, and commercial success.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape and develop the packaging category, becoming the go-to expert within the business while contributing to the Group's long-term growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement Group-wide procurement strategies for packaging and selected ingredient categories.
- Lead supplier sourcing, benchmarking, tendering, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure competitive commercial terms, high service levels, quality standards, and innovation opportunities.
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including price file maintenance, budget reporting, standard cost reviews, and new SKU pricing.
- Deliver cost-saving initiatives, value engineering projects, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Monitor market trends, commodity prices, supply chain risks, and legislative developments, providing insight and recommendations to key stakeholders.
- Support NPD, innovation, operational, and technical projects through effective supplier collaboration.
- Identify and implement sourcing opportunities that improve cost efficiency, supply resilience, and sustainability performance.
- Work collaboratively across multiple sites and business functions to achieve shared objectives.
- Support the Group Procurement Director in strengthening procurement capability across Indigo Food Group.
About You
Essential Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in packaging procurement.
- FMCG experience is essential, with food ingredient sourcing experience highly desirable.
- Strong commercial awareness and proven negotiation skills.
- Experience delivering cost-reduction programmes and value engineering initiatives.
- Sound understanding of procurement and supply chain management principles.
- Ability to assess commercial, food safety, sustainability, and supply chain factors to support effective decision-making.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple sites and functions.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to Group sites, suppliers, and customers.
What We're Looking For
- Ambitious, motivated, and eager to develop their career within a growing business.
- Commercially minded and results-driven.
- Proactive, positive, and solutions-focused.
- Passionate about continuous improvement and delivering value.
- Comfortable taking ownership and working independently.
- A strong relationship-builder with excellent influencing skills.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across functions.
- Excited by the opportunity to drive change and raise the profile of procurement within the organisation.
Why Join Indigo Food Group?
This is more than a buying role. It's an opportunity to become a key contributor within a growing food business, take ownership of a strategically important category, and build a long-term career with real development opportunities.
If you're ready to make your mark, drive innovation, and become the packaging expert within Indigo Food Group, we'd love to hear from you.
Category Buyer in Llantrisant employer: Indigo Food Group Limited
BM Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Avonmouth site where you can lead a dedicated team in the fast-paced Ready-to-Eat food manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on employee development, health and safety, and operational excellence, we provide ample opportunities for growth and engagement, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in delivering high-quality products to our customers. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Llantrisant
✨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 Indigo Food Group Limited.
✨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 Category Buyer in Llantrisant
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 Indigo Food Group Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Indigo Food Group Limited. 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 Indigo Food Group Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Indigo Food Group Limited
✨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 Indigo Food Group Limited!
✨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 Indigo Food Group Limited. 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 Indigo Food Group Limited's culture.
