At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate deals, run tenders, and find savings in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic food manufacturing business focused on smart buying.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Contact Olly at 01733 391515 for more details if your CV isn't ready.
- Why this job: This role offers real challenges and the chance to make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying within food, drink, or FMCG is essential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 54000 £ per year.
This range is provided by The Sterling Choice. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Buyer (Derbyshire) – Food Manufacturing (Experience in Food Mandatory) - £50,000 - £55,000
Hybrid – (3 days on site)
Nothing stands still in food manufacturing. If you’re a buyer who can keep things moving, cut through the noise, and land the right deals, this role is for you.
This isn’t a role for someone who wants to keep things ticking along. We need a doer who understands the fast-paced, ever-changing world of food manufacturing and can bring real strategic thinking to the table.
The Job
You’ll be the go-to person for sourcing raw materials, negotiating with suppliers, and making sure the business isn’t paying over the odds for anything. Your decisions will directly impact costs, quality, and production efficiency—so no pressure.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Getting the best deals without compromising on quality or service.
- Keeping suppliers in check - If they underdeliver, you’ll be the one sorting it.
- Watching the market, staying ahead of pricing trends, risks, and potential disruptions.
- Managing costings & tenders, ensuring raw material prices stack up commercially.
- Working cross-functionally, linking procurement, supply chain, and operations.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience buying in food manufacturing.
- Negotiation skills – If you can’t push back on suppliers, this isn’t for you.
- Strong commercial sense, understanding costs, margins, and supply chain risks.
- Problem-solving mentality – Things will go wrong. You’ll need to fix them—quickly.
- Flexibility to travel – Mostly UK-based, with occasional trips abroad.
- CIPS qualification? Great if you have it, but experience matters more.
A key role in a growing business where you can make an impact, with the chance to own your category and drive commercial improvements.
If this strikes a chord with you and your CV is ready, then click apply now! If your CV is not ready and you want to learn more, call me (Olly) on 01733 391 515!
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Purchasing
Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Services
#J-18808-LjbffrBuyer employer: The Sterling Choice
The Sterling Choice offers a dynamic work environment where innovation meets stability, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in food manufacturing. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members benefit from ongoing training and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Located in Andover, the company provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital industry while enjoying the perks of a permanent night shift schedule that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food manufacturing and FMCG. Understanding market dynamics and consumer preferences will help you demonstrate your commercial edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to practice how you would handle tough negotiations and push back when necessary.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the food and drink industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with professionals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've identified savings or mitigated risks in previous roles. Being able to share concrete experiences will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant buying experience in food, drink, or FMCG. Emphasise your commercial instincts and any contract negotiation experience you have.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role's challenges. Mention specific examples where you've negotiated successfully or found savings in previous roles.
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role requires good interpersonal skills, include examples in your application that showcase your ability to work well with suppliers and colleagues, especially in high-pressure situations.
Be Prepared for Questions:Think about potential interview questions related to risk management and negotiation tactics. Prepare concise, thoughtful responses that reflect your experience and approach to challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your understanding of the food manufacturing industry and how you can contribute to smart buying decisions. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or identified savings.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. Practice articulating how you would handle challenging situations, such as negotiating with a difficult supplier or managing unexpected price fluctuations.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
Since this role requires strong interpersonal skills, be ready to showcase your ability to build relationships with suppliers and colleagues. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Backbone
The job description mentions needing a bit of backbone, so be prepared to discuss times when you've had to stand firm on a decision or say 'no' tactfully. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the pressures of the role.
