Senior Buyer – Personal Care Manufacturing
Location: Manchester (Ancoats)
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Head of Buying
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Buyer to join our fast-paced personal care manufacturing business. This role is responsible for sourcing raw materials, product development, and packaging, while ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and strong supplier relationships.
The ideal candidate will have proven buying/PD experience within FMCG, cosmetics, beauty, toiletries, or personal care manufacturing environments and be confident managing supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing projects, and cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead sourcing and purchasing activities for the personal care, skincare, healthcare categories.
* Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
* Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements with suppliers.
* Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service.
* Manage supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, and regular reviews.
* Ensure continuity of supply and mitigate supply chain risks.
* Collaborate closely with Production, Planning, Quality, R&D, and Finance teams.
* Support new product development projects through supplier sourcing and onboarding.
* Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and industry developments.
* Mentor and support junior buyers where applicable.
Requirements
* Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Product Development role within personal care, cosmetics, beauty, toiletries, FMCG, or manufacturing.
* Strong knowledge of sourcing raw materials and packaging components.
* Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
* Experience managing contracts and strategic sourcing initiatives.
* Strong commercial and analytical capabilities.
* Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
* Knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and packaging compliance.
* Experience with international sourcing and import/export processes.
* Understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements within personal care manufacturing.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Career development opportunities
* Collaborative and innovative working environment