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Are you a commercially astute buyer with a passion for sourcing top-quality products and driving performance in a fast-paced, chilled food environment? A leading national food manufacturer and supplier is seeking a Category Buyer to take ownership of their protein procurement, with a particular focus on poultry, and play a vital role in supporting both operational excellence and strategic growth.
Your Responsibilities
* Take charge of the end-to-end buying strategy for key protein categories, aligning supplier partnerships with changing business needs.
* Negotiate directly with suppliers on pricing, volume, and product specifications – ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, planning, and operations teams to manage supplier performance and uphold service level agreements.
* Be the market expert in your category – monitoring trends, assessing risks, and presenting clear insights to both internal stakeholders and customers.
* Support tender processes by delivering timely, accurate forecasts and forward pricing indications.
* Maintain accurate supplier pricing data and oversee the seamless administration of cost updates.
* Identify and manage risks in the supply chain, ensuring consistent product availability.
Skills & Experience Required
* Experience in food procurement – ideally in poultry or chilled/fresh categories.
* Strong negotiation skills with a keen understanding of product and material costing.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems.
* A proactive, solutions-driven mindset with the ability to prioritise under pressure.
* Comfortable working in a chilled environment and engaging with suppliers both in the UK and abroad.
* A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.
* Ideally, degree-level education or CIPS qualification.
* Background in fresh meat or poultry supply is highly advantageous
In Return
* The opportunity to develop your career with one of the UK’s most respected food suppliers.
* A role that offers variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a measurable impact across the business.
* Be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Apply today to take the next step in your career as a strategic procurement specialist in the dynamic world of protein sourcing!
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