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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 Middleton 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 Middleton
✨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 stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to influence stakeholders and manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly. It shows you're serious about joining our team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Raw Materials in Middleton
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 think strategically and how you've influenced decisions in your previous roles.
Be Hands-On: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience in procurement. We love candidates who can balance strategic thinking with practical execution, so share examples of how you've managed budgets and supplier relationships effectively.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'category ownership' and 'stakeholder influence', to show that you understand what we’re looking for at Mizkan.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from 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 to discuss how you would develop and execute sourcing strategies. Think about past experiences where you've influenced decisions or managed budgets. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic mindset.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of ways to demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in a procurement context.
✨Be Hands-On and Proactive
Mizkan values initiative, so come prepared with ideas on how you would take ownership of your categories. Discuss any relevant projects where you took the lead and how you tackled challenges head-on.