At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships for packaging materials.
- Company: Growing business in Leeds with a focus on procurement innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 plus bonus and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on category strategy and savings.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying, strong negotiation skills, and 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.
Locations
Category Buyer in Kent, Leeds employer: SF Partners
Join a dynamic and evolving company in Leeds as a Category Buyer, where you will be part of a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries and bonuses, along with opportunities to engage in innovative procurement strategies, this role offers a meaningful career path in a thriving business environment. Experience the advantage of working closely with senior leadership while contributing to impactful sourcing initiatives that drive both savings and performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Kent, Leeds
✨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. This shows you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing contracts and supplier relationships, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess in interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Kent, Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Category Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in packaging or manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills!
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 cost savings or improved supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset:Since this role requires a commercially aware and data-driven approach, be sure to include any relevant metrics or achievements in your application. Numbers speak volumes, so let them do the talking!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our growing team!
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, 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 Approach
Think of specific instances where you've resolved supply issues or improved supplier performance. Share these stories during the interview to illustrate your proactive mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. It’s all about showing how you can add value!
✨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 will highlight your ability to work cross-functionally, which is crucial for this position.
