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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 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
- 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 London employer: Mizkan
Contact Detail:
Mizkan 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. 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 sourcing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨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 colleagues 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 noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
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: Since this role is about being both strategic and hands-on, mention any relevant experiences where you’ve taken initiative. We appreciate candidates who can balance big-picture thinking with practical execution.
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 shows you’re keen to join our team at Mizkan!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mizkan
✨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 to discuss how you would develop and execute sourcing strategies. Think about past experiences where you've influenced decisions or managed risk. 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 how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you plan to approach problem-solving in this role.