At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop purchasing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive growth.
- Company: Leading B-Corp FMCG business focused on organic and fair-trade products.
- Benefits: 12.5% bonus, pension, private medical, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven company and make a positive impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Previous purchasing experience in FMCG and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role with great opportunities for career development.
A leading B-Corp accredited FMCG business with multiple accreditations in the organic, healthy eating and fair-trade space is currently seeking a Category Buyer to join their UK business.
Working in a small team, the successful Category Buyer will be responsible for working closely with cross-functional teams to develop category portfolios and contribute to overall growth and profitability. The successful Category Buyer will ideally have previous purchasing experience within an FMCG environment (retail or manufacturing), having worked closely with suppliers to source and negotiate supply agreements.
Responsibilities of the Category Buyer include:
- Developing and implementing purchasing strategies
- Managing a supplier portfolio including monitoring performance, relationship building and compliance requirements
- Contract and price negotiations
- Developing category knowledge to identify trends, new suppliers and competition
- Support marketing and R&D teams with NPD and product renovation projects
- Timely communication with all internal/external stakeholders
- Maintaining pricing sheets, GPC’s, supplier database
Hybrid role - 2/3 days in the office. Benefits include: 12.5% bonus, pension with life assurance & private medical provision, 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
Please note sponsorship to live and work in the UK is not currently available for this position.
Buyer in Frimley employer: The Oval Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Frimley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Since they’re a B-Corp, showing your passion for sustainability and ethical practices will definitely score you some points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate contracts and prices. 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! 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 connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Frimley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Buyer role. Highlight any previous purchasing experience in FMCG, and don’t forget to mention your supplier negotiation skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, include specific examples of how you've developed purchasing strategies or managed supplier portfolios. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve saved costs or improved supplier relationships, shout about it!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experience and qualifications. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your CV and cover letter, head over to our website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure we get all your details in one go, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the category you’ll be buying for. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key suppliers, and competitors in the FMCG space. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Whether it’s securing better prices or building strong supplier relationships, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your capability as a Category Buyer. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Understand Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with marketing and R&D teams, think about how you’ve collaborated with different departments in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where your teamwork led to successful product launches or improvements.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s purchasing strategies, their approach to sustainability, and how they measure supplier performance. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.