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- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships for packaging materials.
- Company: A growing business focused on innovation and procurement excellence.
- 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 category strategy.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in procurement and sourcing.
- 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 Location: Leeds up to £55,000 plus bonus. SF Recruitment are exclusively supporting a growing business who are 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
Contact Detail:
SF Partners Recruiting Team
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 category sourcing strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their growth and innovation.
✨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’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
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, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples! If you've negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships, share those stories. We love to see how you've driven cost savings and improved performance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our growing business.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨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, key suppliers, and any recent innovations. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your commitment to the category buyer position.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, be ready to discuss your past experiences. Think of specific examples where you successfully negotiated pricing or managed supplier relationships. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset
This role requires a strong commercial awareness and a data-driven approach. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to drive cost savings or improve supplier performance. Bring along any relevant metrics or case studies that highlight your analytical skills.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
As the role involves working closely with supply chain, planning, and logistics teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your communication skills and proactive problem-solving approach to show that you're a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.