At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing, support forecasting, and optimise inventory in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a premium food business known for high-quality products across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative team culture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in the FMCG sector.
- Why this job: Take ownership of supply chain responsibilities and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 1+ years in supply chain or procurement, strong analytical and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
West London | Full-time Office Based | £35,000 - £38,000 per annum
Note: This role does not offer sponsorship.
We’re recruiting on behalf of a growing and well-established premium food business that supplies high-quality products across the UK market. This is an excellent opportunity for a Supply Chain Coordinator to join a collaborative, fast-moving environment where you’ll gain broad exposure across procurement, inventory planning, forecasting, supplier management, and operational improvement.
Working closely with senior leadership, you’ll play a key role in ensuring products and materials are sourced efficiently, inventory is optimised, and the wider supply chain runs smoothly. It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to develop their career within FMCG and take ownership of meaningful supply chain responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
- Managing the purchase of ingredients, packaging, and external services
- Supporting demand forecasting, inventory control, and material planning activities
- Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships while negotiating costs and terms
- Monitoring lead times, stock levels, and supply risks to ensure continuity of supply
- Identifying opportunities to improve warehousing, distribution, and overall supply chain efficiency
- Tracking KPIs and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the business
Experience:
- ~1+ Years experience in a Supply Chain, Procurement, Planning, or Operations role
- ~ Strong analytical skills with experience in forecasting, inventory, or purchasing
- ~ Excellent Excel and organisational skills
- ~ Confidence working with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders
- ~ A proactive mindset with a genuine interest in improving processes and driving efficiency
- ~ Experience within food, FMCG, manufacturing, or a product-based business would be highly advantageous
Purchasing Specialist / Buyer in London employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a prestigious company with over 150 years of heritage, where you can lead a motivated customer service team dedicated to delivering excellence for world-renowned wine and spirits brands. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive benefits in the vibrant city of London. Experience a unique blend of tradition and modern operational excellence as you develop your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Specialist / Buyer in London
✨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 Vertical Advantage.
✨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 Purchasing Specialist / Buyer in London
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 Vertical Advantage:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vertical Advantage. 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 Vertical Advantage.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨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 Vertical Advantage!
✨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 Vertical Advantage. 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 Vertical Advantage's culture.
