Junior Category Buyer

Junior Category Buyer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Zertus UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and analyse performance data in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join Zertus UK & Ireland, a leader in snacks and chocolates.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, annual bonuses, and a comprehensive healthcare cash plan.
  • Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real impact on exciting projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for learning are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

This role involves managing day-to-day purchasing activities, analysing performance data, and working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive value, efficiency, and continuous improvement. It’s an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: 37.5

Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30

Key Benefits: Hybrid working, bonus plan, Healthcare cash plan.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the management of procurement categories, including day-to-day delivery, ownership of selected spend areas, and achievement of agreed savings and PPV targets.
  • Monitor and report on KPIs (price, service, quality, sustainability), providing insights, highlighting trends, and ensuring accurate performance reporting to stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate procurement data, supplier information, pricing, and financial details (including QAD), resolving invoice queries where required.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and sites to support reporting, provide procurement guidance, and ensure smooth information flow.
  • Support supply chain and supplier management activities, including risk identification, performance monitoring, issue resolution, and inventory control.
  • Contribute to strategic projects, continuous improvement, and provide cover across the wider commodity team as needed.
  • Assisting in the maintenance of supplier information and procurement databases to ensure data accuracy.

Qualifications:

Essential:

  • Commercial acumen and strong analytical skills.
  • Passion and enthusiasm to learn.
  • Ability to work independently and influence others.
  • Clear communication and good inter-personal skills.
  • Some travel will be essential: between sites, to suppliers and other destinations as necessary.

Desirable:

  • Food manufacture experience.
  • Procurement experience.
  • Ability to use PowerPoint, Excel, and Word effectively.
  • Ability to pick up systems and software based ways of working.

Rewards Benefits:

  • Annual bonus plan with earning potential of up to 10% of salary.
  • Holiday entitlement: 25 days + bank holidays.
  • 4% employer and 5% employee pension plan.
  • Life assurance plan x4 basic salary.
  • Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria).
  • Healthcare cash plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
  • Hybrid working.

About Us:

Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies – Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser!

As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network. When you join Zertus, you will be based at one of our Humdinger or Kinnerton sites. Our manufacturing locations include Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, and Navan (Ireland).

Application & Interview Process:

Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a one-stage interview process. Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.

Junior Category Buyer employer: Zertus UK & Ireland

Zertus UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the fast-paced manufacturing sector. With hybrid working options, a comprehensive benefits package including an annual bonus plan, healthcare cash plan, and a commitment to employee development, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us at our Sherburn-in-Elmet or Fakenham sites, where collaboration and creativity are at the heart of our culture, making it a rewarding place to build your career.

Zertus UK & Ireland

Contact Details:

Zertus UK & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Category Buyer

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Zertus UK & Ireland, their products, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to procurement and category buying. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your analytical prowess and problem-solving abilities.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Zertus!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Buyer

Analytical Skills
Commercial Acumen
Communication Skills
Inter-Personal Skills
Procurement Experience
Data Management
Performance Monitoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Category Buyer role. Highlight relevant skills like analytical abilities and any procurement experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Show Your Passion:In your application, let us know why you're excited about this opportunity. Share your enthusiasm for learning and growing in a fast-paced environment. We love candidates who are eager to develop their careers with us!

Be Clear and Concise:When answering questions on our careers portal, keep your responses clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!

Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your information. Ensure your CV is up-to-date and that you've answered all questions thoroughly. We want to see your best self, so let’s make sure everything is spot on!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland

Know Your Numbers

As a Junior Category Buyer, you'll be dealing with KPIs and performance data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past experiences. Show them you can spot trends and provide insights that drive value.

Show Your Passion for Procurement

Let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you're excited about procurement and how you plan to contribute to continuous improvement. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your passion for the field.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.