At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships for packaging materials.
- Company: Dynamic and growing business in Leeds with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 plus bonus and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and exposure to global supply chains.
- Why this job: Join a team that values your input and helps shape procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying, strong negotiation skills, and a data-driven mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Office based role in Leeds, offering up to £55,000 plus bonus.
SF Recruitment are exclusively supporting a growing business looking to appoint a Category Buyer to support the development and delivery of their category sourcing strategy. This is a commercially focused role where you will take responsibility for supplier management, cost optimisation, and ensuring supply continuity across a range of packaging materials.
Working closely with senior procurement leadership, you will play a key role in translating category strategy into day-to-day delivery, helping to improve performance, drive savings, and support ongoing innovation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Executing category sourcing strategies aligned to business goals
- Running RFQs/RFPs, negotiating pricing, and managing contracts
- Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Driving cost savings through value engineering and sourcing initiatives
- Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery
- Supporting supply continuity and resolving any supply issues
- Tracking raw material pricing and identifying cost reduction opportunities
- Supporting procurement of packaging materials across global supply chains
- Working cross-functionally with supply chain, planning, and logistics teams
- Keeping up to date with market trends and identifying innovation opportunities
About you:
- Experience in procurement, sourcing, or buying within packaging or manufacturing
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Commercially aware with a data-driven mindset
- Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communicator with a proactive, problem-solving approach
This is a great opportunity to join a business that is growing, evolving, and investing in its procurement capability, offering genuine exposure to category strategy and development.
If of interest and you have the relevant skillset, please apply with a copy of your CV today.
Category Buyer employer: SF Partners Admin
Join a dynamic and growing business in Leeds as a Category Buyer, where you will be at the forefront of shaping category sourcing strategies. With a strong focus on employee development, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and offers competitive benefits, including a salary of up to £55,000 plus bonus. Here, you will have the opportunity to enhance your procurement skills while working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, making a meaningful impact on the organisation's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 competitors. Understand their category sourcing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate 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 make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to potential employers. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Buyer. Highlight your experience in procurement and sourcing, especially within packaging or manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; show us what you’ve achieved! Include specific examples of cost savings, successful negotiations, or supplier relationships you've built. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our category sourcing strategy. Keep it concise but engaging, and make sure to reflect our values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners Admin
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the packaging materials relevant to the role. Understand current market trends, pricing fluctuations, and key suppliers. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed supplier relationships or achieved cost savings. Be ready to discuss your approach to running RFQs/RFPs and how you handle contract management. This will demonstrate your practical experience and strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've resolved supply issues or improved supplier performance. Share these stories during the interview to illustrate your proactive approach and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Connect with Cross-Functional Teams
Emphasise your experience working with supply chain, planning, and logistics teams. Discuss how collaboration has led to successful outcomes in your previous roles. This shows that you understand the importance of teamwork in achieving category strategy goals.
