At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase orders and build relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth production.
- Company: Leading FMCG manufacturer with a focus on sustainability and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12.5% bonus, pension, private medical, and life assurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and support for CIPS qualification.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in supply chain management.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or manufacturing, strong Excel skills, and knowledge of SAP.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A leading FMCG manufacturer is currently seeking a Junior Buyer to join their integrated supply chain team. This is a Monday to Friday office-based role, with 1-day WFH a week. Alongside salary, benefits include a 12.5% bonus, company pension with attributed private medical and life assurance.
Supporting a Senior Buyer, the successful Junior Buyer will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless flow of materials across their production and warehousing facilities. This isn't just about placing orders; it's about managing relationships, solving real-time supply challenges, and directly contributing to production and sustainability goals.
Junior Buyer responsibilities:
- Own the Pipeline: Track, place, and manage purchase orders within SAP, ensuring complete accuracy to keep production running smoothly.
- Drive Efficiency: Proactively identify potential supplier delays, expedite timelines, and strategically transfer stock between warehouses to optimise space.
- Build Relationships: Cultivate strong, proactive connections with both UK and international suppliers.
- Commercial Growth: Support the team by conducting market benchmarking, running tenders, and participating in negotiations to secure optimal price competitiveness and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Collaborate: Share purchasing forecasts externally and feedback potential material insights internally to all key departments.
The successful Junior Buyer will be a self‑motivated, results‑driven professional who loves working as part of a collaborative team. Ideally, you will bring:
Qualities & Skills:
- Industry background: Experience working within an FMCG / manufacturing environment.
- Buying experience: Proven experience at an assistant or junior buyer level.
- Tech savvy: Strong Excel skills and essential knowledge of SAP (or a similar operating system).
- Agility: The ability to make informed decisions quickly in a fast‑paced environment and fluidly re‑prioritise when plans shift.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
- Ambition: A positive attitude, a focus on continuous self‑development, and a willingness to work towards your CIPS qualification (company supported).
Junior Buyer employer: The Oval Partnership
As a leading FMCG manufacturer, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Our Junior Buyers benefit from a competitive salary, a generous 12.5% bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including a company pension and private medical insurance. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we support continuous professional development and offer opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to our sustainability goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer
✨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 The Oval Partnership.
✨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 Junior Buyer
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 The Oval Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Oval Partnership. 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 The Oval Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨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 The Oval Partnership!
✨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 The Oval Partnership. 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 The Oval Partnership's culture.
