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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 35000 - 45000 £ 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.
Temporary procurement administrator in Middleton employer: Mizkan Euro Ltd
Contact Detail:
Mizkan Euro Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary procurement administrator in Middleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at Mizkan or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the company’s values and culture. Mizkan loves a collaborative environment, so think about how you can showcase your teamwork skills and strategic thinking during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed sourcing strategies or managed supplier relationships. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a talker but someone who gets things done.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Mizkan team.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary procurement administrator in Middleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Buyer. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in FMCG, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking and supplier management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your CIPS Level 4 if you have it!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've taken ownership of challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think strategically and influence decisions, so let us see that side of you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 changes in the FMCG landscape. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've developed and executed sourcing strategies in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making skills. Highlight how you’ve influenced stakeholders and managed risks, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Remember, this role is about building strong relationships. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement processes and challenges. This will demonstrate your curiosity and ability to connect with others, which is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Problem-Solving
Think of examples where you've taken ownership of a problem and found a solution. Whether it was negotiating with a supplier or managing a supply risk, be prepared to share these stories. This will showcase your proactive approach and ability to handle challenges head-on, which is exactly what Mizkan values.