Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London

Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Procurement Heads

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for professional services, ensuring value and compliance.
  • Company: Join the London Fire Brigade, a vital public service organisation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a transformative procurement team with a focus on sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in public service procurement and community welfare.
  • Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong contract management skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: London (Hybrid, 2 days per week in office)

Procurement Heads is supporting the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in the appointment of a Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager within its Professional Services category, as part of a retained, multi-role recruitment campaign across the procurement function.

This role offers an opportunity to play a key part in shaping and delivering professional services procurement for one of London’s most critical public service organisations.

About the London Fire Brigade:

The London Fire Brigade, governed by the London Fire Commissioner, is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the world, serving over eight million people across the capital. Beyond emergency response, LFB is a complex organisation with significant requirements across professional services, including consultancy, technical services, legal, HR, training and specialist support. Procurement plays a vital role in ensuring these services are sourced compliantly, deliver value for money and support operational effectiveness.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement – Frontline Operations & Professional Services, the Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager will support the development and delivery of sourcing strategy and contract management across the Professional Services category.

This is a hands-on, senior practitioner role, combining regulated procurement delivery, contract management and stakeholder engagement within a governance-led environment.

  • Leading end-to-end public sector procurements across professional services, from strategy through to contract award
  • Managing and improving existing contractual arrangements to enhance value for money and service delivery
  • Advising stakeholders on procurement strategy, routes to market and compliance
  • Drafting and managing tender documentation, evaluation methodologies and contract award processes
  • Supporting effective supplier performance, risk management and governance
  • Producing high-quality reports, business cases and procurement documentation
  • Maintaining accurate procurement pipeline, financial and MI data
  • Supporting and line-managing junior procurement staff
  • Embedding Responsible Procurement, social value and sustainability into sourcing and contracts

This role will suit an experienced public sector procurement professional with a strong background in professional services procurement, who enjoys working closely with stakeholders and managing complex contracts.

  • Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management
  • Strong working knowledge of public procurement regulations
  • Clear alignment to public value, governance and community impact
  • Part of a wider procurement enablement and transformation agenda

Procurement Heads is managing this appointment on a retained basis as part of a wider recruitment programme for the London Fire Brigade.

Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London employer: Procurement Heads

The London Fire Brigade is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the largest fire and rescue services in the world. With a strong focus on professional development, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to social value and sustainability, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact on the community. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while engaging in vital procurement activities that enhance public service delivery.
Procurement Heads

Contact Detail:

Procurement Heads Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those connected to the London Fire Brigade. 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 researching the LFB's recent projects and challenges in professional services procurement. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common procurement interview questions. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your experience effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position!

We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London

Public Sector Procurement
Contract Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Sourcing Strategy Development
Tender Documentation Drafting
Evaluation Methodologies
Supplier Performance Management
Risk Management
Governance Compliance
Financial Data Management
Responsible Procurement
Social Value Integration
Sustainability Practices
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and how it aligns with the needs of the London Fire Brigade. We want to see how you can bring value to their professional services category!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in managing contracts and improving service delivery. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like procurement strategies.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your public sector procurement knowledge. Understand the regulations and best practices, especially in professional services. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex contracts will show you're the right fit for the role.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in this area. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or departments to achieve procurement goals. This will highlight your ability to work within a governance-led environment.

✨Showcase Your Contract Management Skills

Be ready to talk about your experience in managing and improving contractual arrangements. Have specific instances where you've enhanced value for money or service delivery at the forefront of your mind. This will illustrate your hands-on approach and expertise in contract management.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in procurement. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle the complexities of the position.

Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in London
Procurement Heads
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>