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- Tasks: Lead procurement, mentor a team, and drive cost-effective sourcing in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a fast-growing pharmaceutical manufacturer at the forefront of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in a growing pharma business.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or manufacturing, strong leadership, and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term progression in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join a fast-growing pharmaceutical manufacturer at the forefront of innovation and quality. Based at our Cheshire facility, we continue to expand our operations and strengthen our supply chain capability to meet increasing global demand. We are now looking for an experienced Lead Buyer to take ownership of our procurement function and drive excellence across our supplier network.
As Lead Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring resilient, cost-effective and compliant sourcing across our raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories. You’ll lead and develop a small procurement team, shaping best-practice processes and cultivating strong supplier relationships to support production and commercial operations. This role is ideal for a proactive procurement professional with a strong background in FMCG or manufacturing who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team, ensuring high performance and clear strategic direction.
- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, including sourcing, negotiation, supplier selection, and contract management.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure continuity, quality, compliance and best value.
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals and manufacturing requirements.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives, efficiency improvements and risk-mitigation strategies across the supply base.
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain and finance teams to ensure seamless operational execution.
- Monitor market trends, demand forecasts and supply risks to support proactive decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with all pharmaceutical regulatory standards, quality expectations and audit requirements.
- Proven experience as a Buyer, Senior Buyer or Lead Buyer within FMCG or manufacturing industries.
- Strong team-leadership capability and track record of developing people.
- Excellent negotiation, supplier-management and commercial-analysis skills.
- Experience working in highly regulated or quality-focused environments (pharma experience beneficial but not essential).
- Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Organised, proactive and driven by continuous improvement.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape the procurement function in a growing pharma business.
- Career development, training and long-term progression.
- A collaborative, supportive environment where your contribution truly matters.
Lead Buyer in Widnes employer: RBW Consulting
Contact Detail:
RBW Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. 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 values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in FMCG or manufacturing, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cost-saving initiatives and build strong supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our fast-paced environment. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for joining our innovative company.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your negotiation and supplier management skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our procurement function.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RBW Consulting
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management, as these are key areas for the Lead Buyer role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed others. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to improve team performance and how you foster strong relationships within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you've developed and implemented category strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've led that resulted in cost savings or efficiency improvements, as this will show your ability to align procurement with business goals.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the regulatory nature of the pharmaceutical industry, expect questions around compliance and quality standards. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.