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- Tasks: Lead trading and purchasing for 11 retail stores, sourcing quality products and building supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a top food retailer in Northern Ireland known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy in your role, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the commercial strategy while working in a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or trading within foodservice or FMCG sectors; strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
- Other info: MCS Group offers a supportive environment with a 4.9-star rating on Google for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to partner with a leading Food retailer in Northern Ireland, to recruit a Senior Trader/Buyer to join their Commercial team.
As a Trader/Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial buying strategy. You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices, building supplier relationships, and optimising stock levels to ensure availability, profitability, and alignment with customer demand. You will work closely with our procurement, sales, category, and supply chain teams to analyse market trends, negotiate supplier terms, and deliver value across the business.
You will be involved in:
- Identifying new products and supplier opportunities across foodservice categories (e.g. chilled, ambient, frozen, fresh produce, disposables).
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to secure best pricing, terms, and product quality.
- Negotiating buying terms, rebates, and cost prices in line with margin expectations and company strategy.
- Monitoring market trends, seasonal changes, competitor activity, and customer demand to inform buying decisions.
- Supporting the development and execution of category plans, including new product development.
Criteria:
- Proven experience in a Buyer, Trader, or Commercial role within the foodservice, FMCG, or wholesale sector.
- Strong commercial acumen with negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- A deep understanding of Supply chain, procurement practices, and category management.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing abilities.
- Analytical mindset with strong Excel and reporting skills.
Full details upon application.
Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service) employer: MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the foodservice industry. Understanding current market dynamics and consumer preferences will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food retail sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and suppliers, which can give you insights and possibly referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in supplier relationship management. Be ready to provide specific examples that showcase your commercial acumen and ability to drive value.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical skills, particularly with Excel. Being able to analyse data effectively will be crucial in making informed buying decisions and demonstrating your capability in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trader/Senior Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in sourcing, supplier relationship management, and market analysis.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your experience in buying or trading within the foodservice or FMCG sectors. Emphasise your negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to optimise stock levels and build supplier relationships.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples from your past experience that align with the job description, such as successful negotiations or innovative product sourcing strategies.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a trading role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in buying or trading roles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated supplier terms or improved product quality while maintaining competitive pricing.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires a strong analytical mindset, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions. Be ready to discuss market trends and how they influenced your strategies in past positions.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
As a confident communicator, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your interpersonal skills to engage them in conversation about their experiences and insights within the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to supplier negotiations or stock optimisation, and think through your approach to these challenges in advance.