At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage stock levels in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Sykes Seafood, a leader in the seafood industry with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible hours, and up to 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with structured training and career progression.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in procurement with real responsibility and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Interest in procurement, strong organisation skills, and good Excel knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
On-site | UK
£28,000 – £32,000 + Bonus
About Us
Sykes Seafood is a recognised leader in the seafood industry, with expertise that extends across the wider Foodservice sector. As part of a well-established and diverse group, we supply a broad range of food and non-food products to customers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Our clients include wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and takeaways spanning multiple cuisines. With over 40 years of experience, we are proud to deliver quality, reliability, and trusted service.
The Opportunity
Due to continued growth, we’re looking for a proactive and ambitious Junior Buyer to join our Procurement Team within our Foodservice division. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their procurement career to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. You’ll support sourcing and purchasing activities, manage stock levels, and help ensure product availability while maintaining cost efficiency. You’ll also take ownership of a small product category as part of your development, with clear progression opportunities for high performers.
Key Responsibilities
- Support day-to-day procurement activities across multiple product categories
- Analyse sales and stock data to improve buying decisions and efficiency
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely confirmations and deliveries
- Monitor stock levels to avoid shortages or overstocking
- Liaise with suppliers to resolve delivery issues, discrepancies, and pricing queries
- Work closely with warehouse teams to ensure accurate goods-in processes
- Communicate with sales teams on stock availability, pricing, and product queries
- Partner with accounts to manage invoices, credit notes, and rebate reconciliation
About You
- Experience or strong interest in procurement, supply chain, or commercial admin
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Confident working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with good Excel skills (essential)
- Proactive, solutions-focused, and eager to learn
- A collaborative team player
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + performance-based bonus
- Structured training and clear career progression pathways
- Company pension scheme
- Flexible working hours
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Free on-site parking
- Complimentary breakfast items, fresh fruit & hot drinks
- Supportive, friendly, and professional working environment
Why Join Us?
At Sykes Seafood, you’ll be part of a growing business where your contribution matters. We invest in our people, offer real responsibility from day one, and provide the support you need to develop your career in procurement.
Apply now to kick-start your career in buying and procurement with a leading Foodservice business.
Locations
Junior Buyer (Foodservice) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Sykes Seafood
Sykes Seafood is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and collaborative work culture. With competitive salaries, structured training, and clear career progression pathways, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced foodservice industry while enjoying benefits like flexible working hours and complimentary on-site amenities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer (Foodservice) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Get into the Right Communities
Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Sykes Seafood—who are keen to discover fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.
✨Don't Just Stick to Online Applications
While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Sykes Seafood. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer (Foodservice) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Sykes Seafood. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!
Tailor Your Application for Sykes Seafood:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Sykes Seafood. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sykes Seafood
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Junior Buyer (Foodservice) at Sykes Seafood, brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.
✨Research Current Trends in Procurement
Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Sykes Seafood with your insights!
