Buyer

The post holder will be responsible for the effective and efficient purchasing of products to ensure that the supply of fresh raw materials is of the required standard, with regard to quality, quantity, and cost.

Key Accountabilities

• Assisting in the procurement and delivery of all fresh produce into Willowbrook for use in our production environment.
• Assisting the Q.A. Team/Goods-In Team with the arrival of product on site by ensuring that all Purchase Orders are raised, the appropriate Traceability Labels are provided, stock rotation is satisfactory, and stock levels are recorded on a daily basis.
• Liaising with growers/suppliers as required, identifying any current or impending problems, including ordering products from growers, price negotiations, ensuring produce is of acceptable quality, providing feedback to growers including quality issues and yields, and organising rebates/credits where required.
• Maintaining a database recording weekly prices of raw materials to enable decisions to be made regarding future purchasing policies.
• Ensuring that Willowbrook has a back-up supply of all raw materials as required by key customers, preventing any shortages.
• Procuring any new raw materials as required by Product Development, Production, or Q.A.
• Becoming familiar with the customs clearance process for all goods ordered/delivered to support colleagues in the process.
• Keeping abreast of the produce market, seasonal difficulties and prices, consumer trends, etc.
• Creating and maintaining good relationships with manufacturers/suppliers.
• Negotiating Terms & Conditions of Purchase with key suppliers.
• Making procurement recommendations and decisions.
• Managing all procurement activities within company processes, systems, and databases, while maintaining records of purchases, pricing, item library, and other important data.
• Managing and troubleshooting procurement system issues.
• Maintaining and updating a list of suppliers, delivery times, and mitigating against delays.
• Mastering procurement methods, procedures, and buying standards, and making recommendations for continual improvement of purchasing processes to gain operational efficiencies.

Team Work

Working closely with colleagues from various teams to ensure products meet retailers', food service, and food manufacturers' requirements.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Make timely, effective decisions at a level appropriate to the role, using all available information, seeking advice where necessary, and using initiative to diagnose and overcome issues.

Continuous Improvement

Bring ideas and suggestions about workplace improvements. Support and co-operate with any related changes identified and implement these changes within the department or as appropriate.

Self-Development

All staff are responsible for identifying their own job-related training and development needs and for raising these needs through the appropriate channels, either by speaking to their immediate Manager or through Performance Appraisal/Personal Development Plan opportunities.

Other

As and when considered necessary or appropriate, the post-holder must be prepared to transfer to or undertake other duties in order to meet fluctuations or priorities in work demands at their immediate Manager's discretion, within reason and competence. This job description may be subject to change in accordance with changing customer requirements or business needs. The post-holder is expected to co-operate with such changes to support the continued success of the business.

Qualifications / Experience & Requirements

Essential

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Mathematics.
• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear and positive manner.
• Experience of working within a regulated environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of procurement software systems.
• Knowledge of customs clearance systems.
• Food manufacturing experience.
• FMCG experience.
• Customs clearance experience.
• CIPS qualification or willingness to pursue.

Skills & Competencies

• Negotiation abilities.
• Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Accurate and precise attention to detail.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal (English).
• Ability to solve problems and provide solutions.