Category Buyer

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Watford - Head office (with regular travel to Leicester and Birmingham branches)
• Salary: £40k - £45k per annum

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Category Buyer for our Procurement Department. This role involves managing the procurement of ingredients for a food manufacturing company, ensuring optimal terms and efficient supply chain operations to meet our business needs.

• Support the Procurement Manager in creating and implementing a Commodity Risk Management (CRM) plan.
• Take ownership of a defined area within procurement, managing both raw material and finished goods.
• Place purchase orders to suppliers, ensuring 100% On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery to customers.
• Resolve accounts payable queries to reduce outstanding invoices.
• Review and draft supplier contracts to secure beneficial terms.
• Conduct RFI’s and RFQ’s, finalising recommendations for approval before implementation.
• Source new suppliers and manage existing supplier relationships through a structured vendor management process (Grow, Maintain, Decline).
• Contribute to the annual budget process, identifying risks and opportunities, and implementing strategies to minimise risks and maximise opportunities.
• Drive category efficiencies that align with procurement policies and manage internal stakeholder engagement.
• Handle claims with suppliers to secure credit notes and recover losses.
• Facilitate new supplier setups through the master data management process.

• Proven experience as a Category Buyer, preferably in the Food industry.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and supply chain management.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to draft and review contracts.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Proficient in using procurement tools and systems.
• Strong analytical skills to manage budgets and understand price variances.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Competitive salary (£40k - £45k per annum)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Dynamic and supportive work environment, with hybrid working structure

Apply now if interested!