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- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies and build relationships with suppliers 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 atmosphere where your ideas are valued and collaboration is key.
- Why this job: Take ownership of key categories and make impactful decisions that reach consumers.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement, CIPS Level 4 preferred, 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.
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.
Supply Chain Specialist (Temporary) in Middleton employer: Mizkan Euro Ltd
Contact Detail:
Mizkan Euro Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Specialist (Temporary) in Middleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show that 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 decisions and manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or family 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 seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Specialist (Temporary) in Middleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Thinking: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies. We want to see how you can think strategically while being hands-on, so share examples that showcase this balance.
Build Relationships: Emphasise your experience in building strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. We value collaboration, so mention any successful partnerships you've fostered in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Ownership: We love candidates who take ownership of their work. In your application, illustrate how you've tackled challenges head-on and influenced decisions in your past roles. Show us that you’re proactive!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Mizkan and our culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mizkan Euro Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the raw material categories you'll be managing. Understand the market trends, key suppliers, and any recent challenges in the FMCG sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully influenced outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to building strong supplier relationships and how you've managed risk in previous roles. This will highlight your hands-on experience and confidence in procurement.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Mizkan values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with different departments like Technical, NPD, and Finance. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, showcasing your ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Think of examples where you've taken initiative to solve problems without waiting for direction. Highlight your curiosity and how it drives you to find innovative solutions in a complex environment. This will resonate well with Mizkan's culture of accountability and ownership.