At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainable seafood sourcing and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a diverse and inclusive employer in the seafood industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of seafood sourcing while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in seafood procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Shape the future of sustainable seafood sourcing across an international supply network.
The Role
Our new Seafood Buyer will lead the sourcing strategy for speciality seafood and aquaculture categories across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring high-quality, commercially competitive, and responsibly sourced raw materials that support both operational performance and customer expectations. Working closely with Commercial, NPD, Supply Chain, Marketing, CSR and Business Performance teams, you will build strong supplier partnerships, drive category innovation, manage commercial negotiations, and ensure continuity of supply across a fast-moving international seafood market. This role would suit an experienced Seafood Buyer, Category Buyer, Procurement Manager or Senior Buyer with knowledge of seafood, aquaculture, commodity purchasing, or complex food manufacturing supply chains.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Owning and becoming the category expert for allocated seafood raw materials
- Developing sourcing and supplier strategies aligned to business and customer requirements
- Building strong supplier partnerships to support quality, innovation, and competitive advantage
- Leading commercial negotiations, benchmarking activity, and cost control initiatives
- Driving improvements in working capital through stock optimisation and supplier payment terms
- Managing supply continuity, contractual agreements, and category risk controls
- Supporting CSR, sustainability, and retailer engagement activities across seafood categories
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams on innovation, NPD, and continuous improvement projects
- Representing the business within retailer sustainability forums and wider industry groups
- Identifying opportunities for category development and raw material innovation
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a commercially focused procurement professional with strong relationship management skills and the confidence to operate across international supply markets.
You Will Also Bring
- Experience within seafood, food manufacturing, FMCG, or commodity procurement
- Strong negotiation and supplier management capability
- The ability to manage multiple stakeholders across operational and commercial functions
- Experience developing sourcing strategies and delivering cost improvement initiatives
- Strong analytical and commercial decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Confidence working independently and managing international supplier relationships
- A proactive and organised approach with strong attention to detail
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) would be advantageous
Equal Opportunities
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Location: Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire
Hours of Work: Full‑time
Company: Sofina Foods
Country Code: GB
Seafood Buyer in Grimsby employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Grimsby where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our seafood sourcing strategy. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring a strong commitment to responsible sourcing practices. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the international seafood market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seafood Buyer in Grimsby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend seafood and procurement events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your knowledge of seafood sourcing and sustainability in interviews. Bring examples of how you've driven category innovation or managed supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions. Being confident in negotiations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your approach to highlight how your experience aligns with our mission for sustainable seafood sourcing.
We think you need these skills to ace Seafood Buyer in Grimsby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the seafood industry and the role of a Seafood Buyer. Use specific terms from the job description to show us you know what you're talking about!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in seafood sourcing and procurement. Show us how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Achievements:We love to see results! Include specific examples of your past successes in negotiations or supplier management. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we want to see your professional side, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of warmth and authenticity can go a long way in making your application memorable!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Know Your Seafood Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seafood sourcing and aquaculture. Understand the latest trends, sustainability practices, and key suppliers in the market. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate that you're the category expert they’re looking for.
✨Master Your Negotiation Skills
Since this role involves leading commercial negotiations, practice your negotiation techniques before the interview. Think about past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or built strong supplier relationships. Be ready to share these examples to showcase your capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Prowess
Prepare to discuss how you've used analytical skills to drive cost improvements or optimise stock in previous roles. Bring specific examples that highlight your decision-making process and how it benefited your past employers. This will help illustrate your commercial focus.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of instances where you’ve worked with different teams like Marketing or Supply Chain. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve driven innovation or continuous improvement projects through teamwork. This will show you can thrive in a fast-moving environment.
