Founded in 2003 Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation.
Wasabi now has 41 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York and in 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento the grocery channel, launching exclusively in Sainsbury's. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Wasabi grocery has seen phenomenal growth and is now a £62m RSV brand. Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand in the market, consistently attracting new customers to the category through an innovative East Asian range.
Wasabi's menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.
We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.
As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Buyer to join our Procurement Team based in Park Royal.
The Role:
You will be supporting managers in their day to day job, sourcing and purchasing products, materials, or services required by the organisation, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement that meets quality standards. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining supply chain efficiency and supporting the overall procurement strategy.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for building strong supplier relationships and commercial awareness. Ideally, you will have manufacturing food buying experience. You will also be required to deliver other key commercial projects which contribute towards delivery of the budget.
Key Responsibilities:
* Supplier management & development.
* Develop and manage global supplier relationships with current and future suppliers.
* Conduct regular gap analysis, benchmarking, range reviews and market research to ensure opportunities are identified and evaluated.
* Identify, develop and executing efficiency improvements, volume growth opportunities and delivering cost reductions.
* Liaise and attend meetings with other departments and external stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply and successful execution of new product launches.
* Support the delivery of the budget and sustainable sourcing ESG strategy.
* Work within our procurement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and safety.
* Support the open procurement environment, supporting colleagues and departments.
* Efficiently and accurately maintain the company's Business Central system.
Our requirements:
* Related experience in manufacturing food procurement.
* Ability to demonstrate planning, organisational, commercial and negotiation skills.
* A track record of supplier management, cost management, driving efficiencies and implementing face-paced innovation.
* Degree level education or equivalent (desirable but not essential)
* Strong commercial acumen and cross-functional collaboration.
* Proven ability to support the company budget and ESG plans.
* Excellent listening, communication and presentation skills
In return we provide:
* A great working environment
* Pension scheme
* Target Bonus
* Refer A Friend Scheme
* Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
* 50% discount in our Branches
* Employee Assistant Programme
* Hybrid working model
* Long Service Awards
* Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
* Life Assurance
* Electric Vehicle Scheme through Octapus
* Cycle To Work
* Free on-site parking
* A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
* The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.
Our people make us who we are. Join a company where you'll have the opportunity to work for a growing company and build a real career.
COME ROLL WITH US