Senior Buyer (UK or NL) in Ashford

Senior Buyer (UK or NL) in Ashford

Ashford Full-Time No working from home possible
Tyson Foods Europe

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead supplier negotiations and manage procurement processes for global poultry products.
  • Company: Join a leading food company with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Work from Ashford, UK, or Amsterdam, Netherlands, with no relocation assistance.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the global food industry while developing your negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, preferably in FMCG or food manufacturing.

Job location: Candidate can be in Ashford, UK, or Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Job Summary: A Buyer responsible for developing a deep understanding of global poultry market dynamics, particularly chicken price movements, in order to drive informed sourcing decisions and competitive negotiations for finished products at a global level. The role focuses on positioning European procurement in the most cost-effective manner by leveraging market insights and supplier strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead supplier negotiations (short- to mid-term) and manage RFQs and tender processes to ensure competitive sourcing outcomes.
  • Oversee contract execution and ensure effective delivery management to guarantee continuity of supply, while maintaining full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Raise, manage, and track purchase orders in accordance with Tyson Foods procurement policies and approval processes.
  • Build strong partnerships with cross-functional teams (Finance, Commercial, R&D, Quality, Legal, Supply Chain, etc.) to ensure alignment and effective execution of day-to-day activities.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and R&D to identify, develop, and launch new products.
  • Partner with Quality and R&D teams to define product specifications and support supplier approval processes.
  • Develop and maintain strong, effective relationships with suppliers across global markets.
  • Monitor supplier performance (delivery, quality, and service levels) and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement documentation to support audit requirements, compliance, and traceability.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Work Experience:

  • 5+ years’ experience in procurement.
  • Experience working within an FMCG or food manufacturing environment.
  • Proven experience managing purchase orders and supplier relationships.
  • Strong understanding of procurement processes and supply chain operations.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification: CIPS qualification (or working towards) – preferred.

Special Job Competencies:

  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Understanding of global poultry and protein market dynamics.
  • Knowledge of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to manage supply risks and respond to changing business demand.

Travel: Regular business trip.

Not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Not eligible for relocation assistance.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Senior Buyer (UK or NL) in Ashford employer: Tyson Foods Europe

Tyson Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ashford, UK, or Amsterdam, Netherlands, where employees can thrive in their careers. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and effective teamwork across various functions. Additionally, Tyson Foods provides competitive benefits and opportunities to engage with global markets, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the procurement field.

Tyson Foods Europe

Contact Details:

Tyson Foods Europe Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer (UK or NL) in Ashford

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 Tyson Foods Europe.

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 Senior Buyer (UK or NL) in Ashford

Supplier Negotiation
RFQ Management
Contract Execution
Food Safety Compliance
Quality Assurance
Regulatory Compliance
Purchase Order Management

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 Tyson Foods Europe:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Tyson Foods Europe. 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 Tyson Foods Europe.

How to prepare for a job interview at Tyson Foods Europe

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 Tyson Foods Europe!

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 Tyson Foods Europe. 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 Tyson Foods Europe's culture.