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- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies and build relationships with suppliers in the food industry.
- Company: Mizkan Euro, a modern company blending Japanese heritage with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for growth, supportive environment, and a chance to influence key decisions.
- Other info: Dynamic team with a focus on collaboration and innovative ideas.
- Why this job: Take ownership of raw material categories and make a real impact on products across the UK.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of procurement experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
What does it feel like to really own a category? Not just manage suppliers. Not just place orders. But shape sourcing strategy, influence stakeholders, protect supply and see your decisions land on shelves and plates across the UK. At Mizkan Euro, that’s exactly what this role is about. We’re looking for a Category Buyer (Raw Materials) who wants accountability, visibility and the space to think strategically while still being hands-on.
Our procurement team plays a critical role in protecting the business, from cost volatility, supply risk and quality challenges, while enabling growth across our brands. You’ll take ownership of 3-4 raw material categories, developing short and long-term sourcing strategies, building trusted supplier relationships, and working closely with Technical, NPD, Operations and Finance to keep the business moving. This is a true buying role, not supply chain, not retail purchasing.
What you’ll be doing?
- Develop and execute robust category sourcing strategies
- Own budgets, forecasts, and cost drivers across your categories
- Build strong, transparent relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Manage risk and continuity of supply in a complex FMCG environment
- Lead should-cost modelling, specification analysis, and value engineering
- Influence decisions at all levels and take ownership end-to-end
- Roughly 50% strategic, 50% hands-on, with the freedom to take initiative and shape how things are done
Who we’re looking for
You’ll likely be someone who:
- Has 3–5 years’ procurement/buying experience within FMCG food manufacturing (chemicals/pharma also considered)
- Holds (or is completing) CIPS Level 4
- Has real buying fundamentals, sourcing, negotiation, supplier management
- Brings confidence, curiosity, and strong stakeholder presence
- Enjoys owning problems, not waiting to be told what to do
- Experience with ingredients, colours, flavours, fruit or vegetables is a bonus, but not essential
What matters most is how you think, influence, and take ownership.
Why Mizkan?
Mizkan blends Japanese heritage with a modern, open, and people-led culture. In Procurement, you’ll find:
- A collaborative, transparent team that values ideas
- Strong cross-functional relationships
- The space to influence and be listened to
- A supportive environment where you can grow without ego
- We work hard, support each other, meet often and enjoy doing it together.
Category Buyer - Raw Materials employer: Mizkan Euro Ltd
Contact Detail:
Mizkan Euro Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - Raw Materials
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to influence stakeholders and manage suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Raw Materials
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Side: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in developing and executing sourcing strategies. We want to see how you've shaped decisions in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Build Relationships: Talk about your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their interpersonal skills and how they’ve influenced others in their past roles.
Be Hands-On: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience in procurement. We’re looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical execution, so share specific instances where you’ve taken initiative and made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mizkan Euro Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the raw materials you'll be managing. Understand market trends, pricing fluctuations, and key suppliers. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed sourcing strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced stakeholders and managed risks. This is a hands-on role, so demonstrating your ability to think strategically while being practical is key.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role is about building strong relationships. Use the interview to connect with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their procurement processes and show that you value collaboration and transparency.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced in procurement and how you tackled them. Highlight your ownership mentality and how you proactively seek solutions rather than waiting for direction. This aligns perfectly with what Mizkan is looking for!