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- Tasks: Manage procurement of nuts & dried fruit, driving cost savings and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Zertus UK & Ireland, a leader in snacks and chocolates with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, annual bonus, healthcare cash plan, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Grow your expertise in commodities procurement and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong commercial mindset, and excellent negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and career development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Based one of the following UK sites: Bromborough, Heckington, Fakenham or Sherburn with hybrid working options.
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.
Are you looking to grow your expertise in commodities procurement and build a rewarding career in buying? We are looking for a Category Buyer to join our team and manage the procurement of nuts & dried fruit, playing a key role in supporting our innovation and sustainability goals! We are looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset to manage supplier relationships, drive cost savings, and ensure our commodities meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead negotiations, and support our commitment to environmental goals. If you are ready to grow your expertise in procurement and make an impact in the food industry, we want to hear from you!
Responsibilities
- Oversee designated procurement categories, ensuring best‐practice buying, strong commercial value, and delivery of KPI targets.
- Develop and implement category strategies through supplier, market, and supply‐chain analysis.
- Manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, alignment to ethical and regulatory standards, and ongoing improvement activities.
- Drive strategic projects, category innovation, and cost‐reduction initiatives in collaboration with key stakeholders (Supply Chain, Technical, NPD, Operations, Finance).
- Maintain accurate pricing, supplier data (QAD), and financial records, while establishing contingency plans for key materials.
- Negotiate contracts, tenders, and renewals using effective procurement techniques.
- Manage inventory and surplus stock, resolve PPV variances and invoice queries, and support product quality by assisting with non‐conformities.
- Provide insights on market and pricing trends, and travel to suppliers, sites, and industry events (approx. 4–5 times per year).
Qualifications
- Experience in category-led procurement within food manufacturing, with a proven track record in supplier negotiation and cost‐saving initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and knowledge of materials and processes for materials.
- Competent with MRP/stock systems and IT, including MS Office.
- Ability to work independently, influence senior colleagues, and communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Degree‐level education and CIPS qualification or equivalent (Desirable but not essential - future training and development can be available via Zertus).
- Willingness to travel as needed to sites, suppliers, and other locations across the UK - Valid UK Driving License and valid passport required.
- Competency in core procurement skills, including negotiation.
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: Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, 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 two-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.
Category Buyer (Commodities) in London employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Zertus UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer (Commodities) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Zertus and its brands like Humdinger Foods and Kinnerton Confectionery. Understanding their values and products will help you tailor your conversations during interviews.
✨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 those tricky interview questions! Think about your past experiences in procurement and how they relate to the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer (Commodities) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in commodities procurement and any relevant achievements in supplier negotiation or cost-saving initiatives. We want to see how your skills align with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the food industry and how you can contribute to our innovation and sustainability goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, be clear and concise in your responses. We appreciate straightforward answers that get to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role – we want to understand your experience without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our careers portal! Create your account, upload your CV, and answer all the questions. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nuts and dried fruits, as well as current market trends. Being able to discuss specific commodities and their procurement processes will show that you're serious about the role and understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your competency in core procurement skills, which is crucial for the Category Buyer position.
✨Understand Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these goals through your procurement strategies. This shows that you align with their values and are proactive about making an impact.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think about how you’ve worked with different teams in the past, such as Supply Chain or Finance. Be prepared to share specific examples of successful collaborations and how they led to achieving KPI targets. This will highlight your ability to work effectively within a team.