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- Tasks: Manage procurement for Lottie Shaw's, ensuring quality and value in key categories.
- Company: Join Jacksons, a historic family business with a passion for quality food since 1851.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, free bread, and discounts at over 900 retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and negotiation; FMCG background preferred but not essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 12 months, based in Brighouse with travel required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Jacksons
Jacksons is part of William Jackson Food Group, a sixth-generation family business founded by William Jackson when he opened his first shop in Hull in September 1851. Today we have a portfolio of five food businesses in distinct, yet complimentary market areas, employing over 2,000 people.
We have occupied the current site in Hull since 1907 and we now have 3 bread plants in our main bakery. We specialise in the supply of bread and other carriers to the sandwich manufacturers, foodservice and export channels, and in 2012 we launched our consumer facing brand “Jackson’s of Yorkshire”.
We opened a brand-new site in Corby, Northamptonshire – one of the largest investments our Group has ever made – and this will allow us to realise our ambition of being the best at what we do.
In 2024 we acquired Lottie Shaw’s our ‘sweet treats’ business based over in Brighouse which is the main business that this role will support. 2025 is an exciting time to join us – make this year a toast to you and apply now!
What’s involved?
This role is designed to support the business as our growth plans become reality. A member of our central Procurement team, the Interim Category Buyer – Lottie Shaw’s will develop and manage key categories to achieve best value and quality for our newest bakery. Bringing tenacity and professionalism to the business, you will be able to manage multiple projects at once whilst delivering targeted results.
This role in on a fixed term basis for 12 months.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Manage category spend utilising a strategic, sustainable, measured, but fast paced approach.
- Ensure robust category strategies are developed for spend areas, utilising all available data.
- Work with internal stakeholders to maximise benefits of ERP system by ensuring accuracy of procurement related data.
- Develop strong relationships with the right suppliers to ensure the best commercial terms and conditions are agreed.
- Ensure internal and external stakeholders understand category strategies and influence where necessary, building excellent working relationships.
- Ensure all categories are in line with the business’ ethical procurement and sustainable sourcing policy.
- Visit suppliers and industry conferences when required to build relationships and category knowledge.
- Lead and support cost optimisation projects.
- Continually push Lottie Shaw’s contractual terms compliance across the supply base.
- Identify potential supply issues and take appropriate action to avoid their occurrence.
- Ensure financial due diligence is carried out and relevant actions are taken.
- Support other procurement categories as and when required.
- Any other duties relevant to the role.
The right candidate
We are looking for an experienced buyer who has strong procurement and negotiation skills with the ability to analyse risk and financially assess supply options. Have developed strong procurement and negotiation skills with the ability to analyse risk and financially assess supply options.
If you are CIPS qualified that would be great, however it isn’t essential. We would like you to ideally have a background in FMCG and to be proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
Job commitments
The main base for the role will be Lottie Shaw’s in Brighouse, near Leeds. However, there will be travel required to our Bakery in Hull and suppliers.
Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
Why Jacksons?
In return for your commitment as Interim Category Buyer with us you will receive:
- Competitive hourly rate paid every 4 weeks.
- 6.6 weeks holiday, increasing to 7 weeks with 5 years’ continuous service.
- Stakeholder pension with generous employer contributions.
- Free bread allowance
- WJFG Wellbeing and Rewards Platform
- Online benefits portal providing exclusive discounts with over 900 retailers.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Support grants available for colleagues’ children attending University.
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Interim Category Buyer - Lottie Shaw\'s employer: William Jackson Food Group Limited
Contact Detail:
William Jackson Food Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Category Buyer - Lottie Shaw\'s
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector, especially in relation to bakery products. Understanding market trends and consumer preferences will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and the bakery industry. Attend relevant conferences or events where you can meet potential colleagues or suppliers, as building these relationships can be crucial for your role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves managing supplier relationships and securing the best commercial terms, demonstrating your ability to negotiate effectively can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to inform procurement decisions in the past. This will highlight your capability to develop robust category strategies, which is a key responsibility of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Category Buyer - Lottie Shaw\'s
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Interim Category Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in procurement and negotiation.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your procurement experience, particularly in FMCG. Include specific examples of successful negotiations and category management to demonstrate your skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight how your background aligns with Jacksons' values and goals, especially regarding ethical procurement and sustainable sourcing.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at William Jackson Food Group Limited
✨Research Jacksons and Lottie Shaw's
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Jacksons and their recent acquisition of Lottie Shaw's. Understanding the company's history, values, and current market position will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Procurement Questions
As an Interim Category Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your procurement and negotiation skills. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences, particularly how you've managed category spend and developed supplier relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your successes.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities to assess risks and financial options. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions in past roles. You might even want to bring along a case study or example that highlights your analytical approach.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders is crucial for this role. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced others or collaborated on projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
