Job Title: Buyer
Location: Leyland
Reporting to: Purchasing Manager
Our client are recruiting for an experienced Buyer to join a well-established, international food manufacturing business based in Leyland. The company is part of a global organisation operating in over 40 countries, known for producing high-quality branded food products enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide. With a strong heritage and a focus on innovation, quality and continuous improvement, the business is committed to delivering excellence across its product portfolio.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Purchasing team and play a key role in driving commercial value, supplier performance and operational continuity.
Purpose of the Role
To maximise the Purchasing Department’s contribution to company profitability through effective operational and tactical purchasing activities, while driving continuous improvement in supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities
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Negotiate and implement contracts to ensure the operational supply of third-party raw materials and packaging to relevant sites.
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Work closely within group purchasing processes and categories, in coordination with Commodity Managers and Commodity Buyers on behalf of the UK business.
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Proactively source products and suppliers, identifying alternative materials or suppliers to improve competitive position.
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Regularly review and tender product areas to ensure maximum profitability.
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Maintain SAP systems, ensuring pricing, lead times, payment terms and conditions are accurate and up to date.
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Monitor commodity markets and contract goods where appropriate to maximise profit opportunities.
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Provide timely and accurate information to support costing and budgeting processes.
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Negotiate and establish sustainable supplier contracts and agreements.
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Review supplier performance across quality, delivery and reliability metrics.
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with both contracted and potential suppliers.
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Represent UK business interests within group purchasing structures where appropriate.
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Support the wider Purchasing team with commodity, pricing and contractual reporting.
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Ensure responsibility for safety, legality and quality within the remit of the role.
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Provide day-to-day cover for the Purchasing Manager when required.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the business.
Experience Required
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Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar purchasing or buying role.
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Experience within a manufacturing or FMCG environment is advantageous.
Skills and Abilities
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Intermediate level proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
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Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
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Ability to work independently and use initiative.
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Willingness and ability to travel as required.
Personal Attributes
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Strong team player with a collaborative approach.
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High attention to detail.
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Calm and resilient, able to work effectively under pressure.
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Confident communicator, able to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels internally and externally.
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Proactive, self-motivated and solutions-focused.
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Comfortable challenging and being challenged in a professional environment