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- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies for ingredients and packaging in a mission-driven consumer goods company.
- Company: High-growth FMCG business in East Sussex with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 4-day work week, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to quality and sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sourcing and supplier development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in procurement with strong negotiation skills and FMCG experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Pod Talent is excited to be partnering with a mission‑driven, high‑growth consumer goods business in East Sussex, who are looking to appoint a Procurement Manager to their team (4 days per week in the office).
In this role, you will play a critical part in shaping how the business sources ingredients, packaging, and finished goods, and how it partners with component suppliers, co‑manufacturers, and service providers. You’ll take ownership of the sourcing strategy, formalise supplier governance, and lead supplier development initiatives that support quality, scalability, and sustainable growth.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategy across ingredients, primary and secondary packaging, and finished‑goods co‑manufacturing, in line with cost, quality, scalability, and sustainability goals.
- Lead supplier identification, qualification, and onboarding, including market mapping, sample and trial sourcing, technical/commercial evaluation, and approval into the Approved Supplier List.
- Own supplier performance and development, driving scorecards, business reviews, joint improvement plans, and continuous‑improvement initiatives across quality, cost, service, and sustainability.
- Establish supplier governance and standards, building supplier frameworks and guidance (product development and delivery standards) in collaboration with Technical and Quality teams.
- Manage COGs, negotiations, and NPD sourcing, leading tenders and commercial negotiations, supporting new product development through ingredient and supplier selection, and overseeing manufacturing trials and pilot runs.
4+ years’ experience in sourcing/procurement/supplier development, ideally within regulated FMCG sectors such as wellness, supplements, food & drink, or premium beauty.
Strong commercial and negotiation capability, with hands‑on ownership of COGs, tenders, supplier contracts, and total cost‑of‑ownership analysis.
Solid working knowledge of supplier quality and food‑safety standards.
UK candidates only with a permanent right to work in the UK.
Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager (Food/FMCG)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong commercial capabilities. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing salary and benefits.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager (Food/FMCG)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Buying Manager. Highlight your experience in sourcing, procurement, and supplier development, especially in FMCG sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our mission-driven approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food and FMCG, and how you can contribute to our sourcing strategy. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've achieved! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially around cost savings, supplier performance, and sustainability initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's sourcing strategy and how it aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss your own experiences in developing and executing sourcing strategies, especially in the FMCG sector.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight your commercial capabilities and how you've managed costs, tenders, and supplier contracts. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to drive results.
✨Understand Supplier Governance
Familiarise yourself with supplier governance frameworks and standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've established supplier performance metrics and improvement initiatives in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Emphasise Quality and Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of supplier quality and food safety standards relevant to the FMCG industry. Be ready to talk about how you've ensured compliance and quality assurance in your past procurement roles.