At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and develop competitive pricing strategies in the meat category.
- Company: Leading organisation in foodservice and procurement with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Up to £40,000 salary, 15% bonus, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-value category and influence commercial strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying, ideally in meat or poultry.
Category Buyer - Meat & Poultry
Salary: up to £40,000 + up to 15% bonus
Location: Surrey - 2 days per week
Industry: Foodservice / Food Procurement
Are you an experienced Meat Buyer or Procurement professional looking for your next opportunity?
We're working with a leading organisation in the foodservice and food procurement industry that is looking for a commercially driven Category Buyer - Meat & Poultry to join its procurement team.
This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a high-value category, develop supplier relationships and influence commercial strategy across a fast-moving food environment.
The Role
You'll work closely with the Category Manager and wider procurement, supply chain, culinary and commercial teams to deliver the Meat & Poultry category strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing supplier relationships.
- Leading negotiations, tenders and contract renewals.
- Developing competitive pricing strategies and delivering cost savings.
- Monitoring market trends, commodity prices and key cost drivers.
- Supporting reliable supply and strong supplier performance.
- Ensuring products meet food safety, quality and sustainability standards.
- Managing category spend and delivering against commercial targets.
- Providing market insight and category expertise across the business.
- Working cross-functionally with culinary, sales, commercial and bid teams.
- Identifying opportunities for cost reduction, innovation and category growth.
About You
We're looking for someone with experience in procurement, buying or strategic sourcing, ideally with knowledge of the meat and/or poultry sector.
You'll be commercially confident, a strong negotiator and comfortable influencing stakeholders and suppliers at all levels.
You'll ideally have:
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Supplier and contract management experience.
- Excellent analytical and Excel skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- The confidence to challenge and influence.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
The Package
- Up to £40,000 salary
- Up to 15% bonus
- Hybrid – 2 days per week in Surrey
- Excellent opportunity for career development
- High-profile Meat & Poultry category with significant commercial influence
Interested?
If you're an experienced Meat Buyer, Category Buyer, Procurement Specialist or Sourcing professional and would like to find out more, please get in contact or apply directly for the role.
Category Buyer - Meat in Guildford employer: Talent Drive | B CorpTM
Join a globally recognised multi-billion pound business as a Senior Procurement Manager in IT, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies and engaging with CxO level stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this company offers a comprehensive benefits package, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to work in Bracknell, balancing office presence with flexibility. Here, your expertise will not only drive significant savings but also contribute to a dynamic environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - Meat in Guildford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Talent Drive | B CorpTM.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - Meat in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Talent Drive | B CorpTM:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Drive | B CorpTM. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Talent Drive | B CorpTM.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B CorpTM
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Talent Drive | B CorpTM!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Talent Drive | B CorpTM. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Talent Drive | B CorpTM's culture.
