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- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Mizkan Euro, blending Japanese heritage with a modern, people-led culture.
- Benefits: Collaborative team, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on work in a vibrant FMCG setting.
- Why this job: Take ownership of categories and make impactful decisions that reach consumers across the UK.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement, CIPS Level 4, 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 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
- 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 Europe Ltd
Contact Detail:
Mizkan Europe 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 hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨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 showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Category Buyer role at Mizkan Euro.
✨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 and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Mizkan team and taking ownership of your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Raw Materials
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 of how you've influenced decisions in your previous roles.
Build Relationships: Emphasise your experience in building strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. We value collaboration, so let us know how you've fostered trust and transparency in your past roles.
Demonstrate Problem Ownership: We love candidates who take ownership of problems. In your application, share instances where you've tackled challenges head-on and how your proactive approach made a difference in your work environment.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mizkan Europe Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the raw materials you'll be handling. 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 managed budgets and forecasts, and how your decisions positively impacted your previous employers. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic mindset!
✨Build Relationships, Even Virtually
Since this role involves managing supplier relationships, think of ways you've built trust with stakeholders in the past. Share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference. This will highlight your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in procurement and how you tackled them. This will showcase your ownership mentality and readiness to take initiative in complex situations.