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- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies and manage key supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Mizkan Euro, blending Japanese heritage with a modern, people-led culture.
- Benefits: Collaborative team, strong support, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment where your ideas are valued and heard.
- Why this job: Take ownership of raw material categories and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement, CIPS Level 4 preferred, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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.
Why this role exists: 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 7-8 raw material categories with 3-4 of these being classed as Key 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? You’ll be trusted to:
- 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 in Manchester 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 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨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 tailor your responses and show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly fits into their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. It shows you’re serious about the role and gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Raw Materials in Manchester
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 taken ownership of categories and influenced decisions in your previous roles.
Build Relationships: Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Share examples of how you've managed these connections effectively, as this is key to thriving in our collaborative environment.
Be Hands-On: Don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on experience in procurement. We love candidates who can balance strategic thinking with practical execution, so let us know how you've done this in your past roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
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, key suppliers, and potential risks. 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 can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, as this role demands both.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships. Share experiences where you've influenced decisions or collaborated with cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for success in this position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
Since you'll be owning budgets and forecasts, come prepared with examples of how you've managed costs effectively. Highlight any experience with should-cost modelling or value engineering to showcase your expertise.