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- Tasks: Join our team as a Purchasing Officer, managing supplier databases and sourcing quality products.
- Company: Thomas Franks is a unique, founder-led catering business focused on fresh food and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, free meals, enhanced leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in the food industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree and willingness to work towards MCIPS; strong communication and IT skills required.
- Other info: This role offers an apprenticeship opportunity to gain a CIPS qualification.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 44800 £ per year.
Job Description:
Purchasing Officer – Europe
Hook Norton
Contract: Full Time , PermanentSalary: £ 32,000 per annumHours: 40 per week
Our head offices based in the beautiful village of Hook Norton near Banbury. Here you will find our teams of finance, HR, purchasing, marketing & creative that support all of our locations across the Thomas Franks family. There is ample parking space available when visiting.
We are looking for a Purchasing Officer – Europe to join our team at our wonderful Head Office location near Hook Norton.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
As a Purchasing Officer for Thomas Franks, you will be a key member of the purchasing team, responsible for setting up and administrating the supplier database and supporting a number of fresh food and non food categories for our European locations. You will assist with sourcing, setting up and delivering exceptional locally sourced items to deliver the highest standards and quality for our clients in B&I and School locations in Europe. You will support compliance in relation to food standards, sustainability, allergens, labelling and other related areas.
We are able to offer this role as an apprenticeship to study and achieve a CIPS qualification whereby you will be expected to complete your study within and alongside your day to day duties.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working closely with other members of our operational teams and external partners, you will be involved in:
- Administrating the process to set up suppliers and new accounts, ensuring all relevant parties notified in a timely manner.
- A range of direct and indirect categories of spend.
- Analysis of data.
- Supporting tender activities from Request for Information (RFI), through to supplier negotiations, due diligence and contract award.
- Point of contact for the operational business to field enquiries and support with day to day purchasing challenges.
- Support in market research and supplier research.
- Participation in cross functional teams consisting of internal stakeholders, clients and suppliers on purchasing projects.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A degree in a relevant discipline and willing to work towards MCIPS.
- Professional, organised, presentable, efficient and self-motivated.
- A driver’s licence and willing to travel around the country and Europe and be away from home at times.
- A passion for keeping up to date with research.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Advanced Office & Excel Skills.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Ability to manage a busy diary independently.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Experience of working in a similar multi-site location organisation an advantage.
- Experience of buying food commodities.
- Experience in a purchasing team
Benefits
- Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
- Free meals on duty
- Volunteers leave – up to one day per year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Recommend a friend bonus.
- Unrivalled individual training and development.
- Well established apprenticeship programme.
- Team & company social events.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Workplace pension.
- Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About us
Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role.
An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants\’ suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
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Purchasing Officer - Europe employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
Contact Detail:
Thomas Franks Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Officer - Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Purchasing Officer. Understanding the nuances of supplier management and compliance with food standards will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing and food industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Thomas Franks and their approach to sustainability and local sourcing. Being knowledgeable about their values and practices will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and market research. Highlighting specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles can make a strong impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Officer - Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Purchasing Officer role. Emphasise any experience in purchasing, supplier management, or food commodities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the importance of food standards and sustainability, as these are key aspects of the job.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in a relevant discipline or are working towards MCIPS, make this clear in your application. This shows your commitment to professional development in purchasing.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated in previous positions, whether in writing or verbally.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Thomas Franks. Understand their values, mission, and the specific role of a Purchasing Officer. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss your knowledge of purchasing processes, supplier management, and compliance with food standards. Brush up on relevant terminology and concepts to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Purchasing Officer, excellent communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job requires strong organisational abilities. Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and tasks, especially when handling multiple suppliers or projects. Share specific examples that highlight your efficiency and self-motivation.
