At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategy and manage supplier relationships in fresh food categories.
- Company: Join Reynolds Food Group, a leading independent UK foodservice business.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual pay reviews, and tailored company benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and mentoring within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving growth.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience in foodservice and strong supplier network required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Waltham Cross, Herts
40 hours per week – Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm
Reynolds Food Group is a leading independent UK foodservice business, and we are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our growing Purchasing team. This is a high-impact role responsible for driving sourcing strategy, managing key supplier relationships, and delivering commercial value across fresh food and non-produce categories.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Purchasing, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage supplier performance, and deliver cost and margin improvements. You’ll also line manage a Buyer and play a key role in shaping category strategy and supporting business growth.
Key Accountabilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Identify, and onboard new suppliers across fresh and non-produce categories.
- Build, manage, and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, particularly within Dairy, Cheese, Morning Goods, and branded food.
- Lead supplier negotiations to secure best in market pricing, service, and quality.
- Monitor and improve supplier performance, including cost, service, quality, and compliance.
- Category & Product Management
- Lead product sourcing and range development in collaboration with Sales.
- Support New Product Development (NPD) aligned to market trends and customer needs.
- Ensure all products meet technical, quality, and food safety specifications.
- Commercial & Cost Leadership
- Analyse and challenge supplier price movements.
- Deliver cost savings, value engineering, and margin improvement initiatives.
- Manage Purchase Price Variance (PPV) across categories.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Line manage and develop a Buyer.
- Lead cross‑functional projects to drive growth and efficiency.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales, Operations, Logistics, and Quality teams.
- Act as a senior commercial contact internally and externally.
Essential
- Senior level procurement experience within foodservice.
- Strong background in Fresh Food, Dairy & Cheese.
- Established supplier network across Dairy, Cheese, Morning Goods, and branded food.
- Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Desirable
- Produce category experience.
- Degree-level education.
- People management or mentoring experience.
What You’ll Get
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Annual pay reviews.
- Group Personal Pension Plan.
- Retail Discount membership.
- Death in Service.
- Further company tailored benefits achieved through service and commitment.
Apply Now For a commercially driven Senior Buyer looking to take ownership of key categories in a fast‑paced, growing business, we’d love to hear from you. Reynolds Food Group is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Senior Buyer (Fresh Food / Non-Produce) in Waltham Cross employer: Reynolds Food Group
Reynolds Food Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Waltham Cross where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including 25 days holiday and a Group Personal Pension Plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to excel in their roles while contributing to the growth of the business. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the foodservice industry as a Senior Buyer, where your expertise will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer (Fresh Food / Non-Produce) in Waltham Cross
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the foodservice industry, especially those who know Reynolds Food Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in fresh food and non-produce categories. Show us you’re not just a buyer but a strategic thinker who understands the market!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer (Fresh Food / Non-Produce) in Waltham Cross
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in fresh food and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sourcing strategies or improved supplier relationships in the past.
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since solid Excel skills are essential for this role, consider including examples of how you've used Excel in your previous positions. Whether it's analysing data or managing budgets, let us know how you’ve leveraged these skills.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reynolds Food Group
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh food and non-produce categories, especially Dairy, Cheese, and Morning Goods. Be ready to discuss market trends and how they impact sourcing strategies. This will show that you're not just familiar with the products but also understand the broader context.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful supplier negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you secured better pricing or improved service levels. This is crucial for a Senior Buyer role, so be specific about the outcomes and how they benefited your previous employer.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be line managing a Buyer, be ready to talk about your leadership style and any mentoring experiences. Share how you've developed team members or led cross-functional projects, as this will illustrate your capability to drive growth and efficiency.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key metrics like Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and how to analyse supplier price movements. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in your previous roles. This will show that you can deliver cost savings and margin improvements effectively.
