Category Buyer

This role involves regular travel to Ireland, typically for up to three consecutive days at a time. Travel frequency is flexible and will be discussed during the interview process. All business-related travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be covered.

Position type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: 37.5

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

Salary: up to £40,000

Key Benefits: Hybrid working & bonus plan

Are you looking to grow your expertise in procurement and build a rewarding career in buying? We’re looking for a Category Buyer to join our team. This role is responsible for category-led procurement of key raw materials and ingredients used in confectionery manufacturing, including confectionery ingredients, inclusions, caramel, sugar, flavours, colours, cocoa, and dairy products. The successful candidate will primarily support procurement activities for Lir Chocolates, whilst also providing support across other Zertus UK businesses, including Humdinger and Kinnerton Confectionery.

Playing a key role in supporting our innovation and sustainability goals, you will build and manage supplier relationships, lead commercial negotiations, drive cost-saving initiatives, and ensure security of supply while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Working closely with cross-functional teams across Procurement, Supply Chain, NPD, Operations, and Technical, you will help deliver new product innovation, support environmental commitments, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our confectionery businesses.

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:

• Proven buyer/category buyer experience within a manufacturing environment (essential).
• Experience in food manufacturing highly desirable.
• Supplier negotiation, contract management, and delivering cost-saving initiatives is highly desirable.
• 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 & Ireland - valid passport required.
• Competency in core procurement skills, including negotiation.

Rewards Benefits:

• Annual bonus plan with earning potential of up 10% of salary.
• Holiday entitlement of 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.

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.

Application & Interview Process:

Following application review, shortlisted candidates will be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and invited to take part in a two-stage interview process. The first stage will be held online via Microsoft Teams, with successful candidates progressing to an onsite second-stage interview.

Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments or special arrangements during the recruitment process, please let us know at the application stage by speaking with our Talent Acquisition team.