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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 involvement.
- Why this job: Own your category and make impactful decisions that reach consumers across the UK.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of procurement experience 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?
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
- 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 London 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 in London
✨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 products and values, especially in the FMCG space. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in Mizkan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨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 serious about joining the Mizkan team and ready to take ownership of your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Raw Materials in London
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 shaped decisions in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Build Relationships: Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference. We love seeing how you connect with others!
Be Hands-On: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience in procurement. Whether it’s managing budgets or leading cost modelling, we want to know how you’ve taken initiative and tackled challenges head-on.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure 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 hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mizkan Europe Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific raw material categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential risks. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're ready to take ownership of the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed sourcing strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced stakeholders and managed budgets. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically while being hands-on, which is crucial for this role.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Remember, building strong relationships is key in procurement. Use the interview as an opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how they see the role evolving. This shows your curiosity and willingness to engage.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in procurement and how you tackled them. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and your ability to manage risk and continuity of supply. This will align perfectly with what Mizkan is looking for in a candidate.