At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels, source suppliers, and negotiate pricing in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: L&S Middleton, a trusted food service supplier since 1960.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real impact on our operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement, preferably in food or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
L&S Middleton has been one of the Midlands' most trusted food service suppliers since 1960. Based at Middleton Business Park in Willenhall, we supply fish and chip shops, pubs, cafes and caterers across the region with over 1,000 product lines. From cooking oils and batter mixes to frozen goods and packaging. We're proud of our reputation for quality, reliability and personal service, and we're looking for a Buyer to help keep our operation running at its best.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary of GBP35,000
- Monday to Friday
- Hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Stable, established business with over 60 years of trading history
- Friendly, fast-paced team environment
- A genuine opportunity to make the role your own
- Long term career progression and opportunity
The role of Buyer:
This is a hands-on buying position at the heart of our operations. You'll manage stock levels across a broad product range, ensuring availability is maintained while sourcing new suppliers and driving value. Working within a fast-moving environment, you'll need to be organised, commercially sharp and confident making purchasing decisions day to day.
Key responsibilities include:
- Placing and managing product orders to maintain optimum stock levels
- Monitoring reorder points and acting quickly to prevent shortfalls
- Identifying and onboarding new suppliers to strengthen the supply chain
- Negotiating pricing and terms with existing and prospective suppliers
- Maintaining accurate records using the computerised stock control system
- Liaising with the warehouse and sales teams to anticipate demand
About You:
- Experience in a buying, purchasing or procurement role - food, FMCG or foodservice background strongly preferred
- Comfortable working at pace in a fast moving, high-volume environment
- Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset
- Competent with stock control or inventory management software
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in order processing
- Good communication skills - able to build and maintain supplier relationships
- Proactive and self-motivated - someone who takes ownership of their category
- A team player who can also work independently and manage their own workload
Buyer in Willenhall employer: L&S Middleton
Contact Detail:
L&S Middleton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Willenhall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food service industry, attend local events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 L&S Middleton and understanding their product lines. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and ready to contribute to their success as a Buyer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to be confident in discussions with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with making those important purchasing decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our friendly, fast-paced team at L&S Middleton.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Willenhall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience in buying, purchasing, or procurement, especially in food or FMCG sectors. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Buyer position. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or prices. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage supplier relationships and drive value for us.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at L&S Middleton
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of products the company supplies. Research their offerings, especially in the food service sector. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to managing stock levels effectively.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated pricing or terms with suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your confidence and commercial mindset, which are crucial for the Buyer role.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing stock levels and ensuring availability, be prepared to talk about how you stay organised in a fast-paced environment. Share specific strategies or tools you use to keep track of orders and inventory management.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Good communication skills are essential for maintaining supplier relationships, so practice active listening and engage in a friendly manner. This will help you stand out as a team player who can also work independently.