At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement operations and negotiate contracts to drive supplier performance.
- Company: Join a leading UK retailer with a strong focus on growth and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a successful organisation while making a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of cost savings.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 57000 £ per year.
K.A.G. Recruitment is partnering exclusively with a leading UK retailer in their search to find a Lead Buyer to join their team based in Leeds (LS10).
Position: Lead Buyer
Salary: £50,000 - £57,000 (DOE)
Location: Leeds (LS10)
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm (40 hrs site based)
Reporting to: Procurement & Supply Chain Controller
About the Role
As Lead Buyer you will manage day-to-day procurement activities, delivering best value across raw materials, packaging and indirect spend. You'll drive supplier performance, negotiate commercial agreements, reduce costs and support a resilient, efficient supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement operations and support procurement strategy.
- Manage supplier tenders, negotiations and contracts.
- Build strategic supplier relationships and improve cost, quality and service.
- Deliver cost-saving and margin improvement initiatives.
- Work with Planning, Technical, Operations and Finance to ensure material availability.
- Monitor markets, manage supply risks and identify sourcing opportunities.
- Support sustainability and responsible sourcing objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement, governance and KPI reporting.
Skills
- Procurement experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or similar.
- Strong negotiation, supplier management and contract experience.
- Proven record of delivering measurable cost savings.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and Excel skills.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and stakeholder management.
- CIPS qualification or studying towards it is desirable.
About You
You will be an experienced Buying Manager with a proven track record in FMCG delivering commercial growth within a fast-paced retail environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Buying professional to join a highly successful organisation and play a key role in shaping the future of the business and growth.
Lead Buyer in Middleton employer: KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
Join a leading food processor in Ellesmere, where we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering competitive salaries and a unique 4-on-4-off shift pattern that promotes work-life balance. With opportunities for skill development and advancement, we are committed to making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer in Middleton
✨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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.
✨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 Lead Buyer in Middleton
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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd. 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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
✨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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd!
✨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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd. 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 KAG Recruitment Consultancy Ltd's culture.
