Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate food products while managing supplier relationships and import processes.
- Company: Join a dynamic food company with a focus on sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while developing your negotiation and procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; 1-3 years of buying experience.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a commitment to ethical practices.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly capable and results-driven Buyer to manage the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of food products, ingredients, and packaging materials—both locally and internationally. The role includes overseeing the full import process, ensuring regulatory compliance, and securing a cost-effective, reliable supply chain. Success in this position requires strong supplier management, commercial negotiation skills, and close collaboration with the operations team to maintain seamless import and procurement activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Sourcing
- Identify and assess suppliers of finished goods, raw materials, and packaging in alignment with the company’s quality and sustainability standards.
- Request, evaluate, and negotiate competitive quotations to secure favourable pricing and terms.
- Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for allocated product lines.
- Track market trends, commodity movements, and supplier performance to guide purchasing decisions.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and sustain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure dependable supply and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular evaluations of supplier performance, focusing on quality, cost efficiency, and delivery reliability.
- Stock Control & Team Support
- Provide support and guidance to two stock controllers.
- Oversee stock management processes to ensure accurate data across all ERP and warehouse systems.
- Review daily stock reports, investigate discrepancies, and ensure timely corrective actions.
- Work closely with Planning and Production teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, preventing stockouts or excess stock.
- Promote a culture of accountability, efficiency, and collaboration within the stock control function.
- Import Management
- Manage all aspects of the import process, including purchase orders, shipping coordination, customs documentation, and clearance.
- Support Stock Controllers in liaising with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and suppliers to ensure timely and compliant imports.
- Oversee preparation and validation of import documents (invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health certificates, etc.).
- Ensure adherence to food safety, customs, and import regulations across relevant markets.
- Review and optimize import-related costs such as freight, duties, and insurance.
- Cost & Process Control
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Ensure all procurement activities align with company policies and ethical standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
- 1–3 years’ experience in procurement or buying within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics).
Key Competencies
- Strong commercial acumen and cost awareness.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Strong negotiation and analytical capabilities.
- High attention to detail and a data-driven mindset.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Proactive team player with strong problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Food Buyer in Northampton employer: Lime Talent
Contact Detail:
Lime Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Buyer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food and procurement events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Show us that you understand their sourcing strategies and can bring value to their procurement process. Tailor your answers to highlight your negotiation skills and supplier management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in procurement aligns with their needs. We want to hear about your successes in cost reduction and supplier relationship management—make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Buyer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Food Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, sourcing, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal—let us know who you are!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's cost savings or successful supplier negotiations, we love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lime Talent
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research potential suppliers in the food industry. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to discuss how you would assess and negotiate with them. This shows your proactive approach and knowledge of the market.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Highlight your strategies for securing favourable terms and how you built relationships with suppliers. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive cost-effective procurement.
✨Understand Import Processes
Brush up on the import management process, including customs documentation and compliance regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage these aspects effectively, as this is crucial for the role and will show your attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Think about how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where you collaborated with stock controllers or production teams to optimise inventory levels. This will highlight your team player mentality and problem-solving skills.