About the Company:
Since 1989 Beechdean Dairies Ltd have been producing high quality Ice Cream for the retail and Out of Home market. It has grown into one of the UK leading Ice Cream manufacturers.
Our purpose is to be a serious challenger in the world of ice cream and use our voice to shout about the things that matter to us and our promise is to bring attitude without apology and indulgence without compromise. Its people that make us a quality producer making quality products.
Reports to: Commercial Director
Location: Beechdean Manufacturing, Tattenhall
Hours: 40 hours per week
Role Overview
The Experienced Buyer – Confectionery & Sauces, will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for key ingredients including confectionery pieces, fruit preps, ripples, sauces, coatings, inclusions, and other specialised components used in ice cream production. This role requires a commercially minded, detail-oriented individual with strong category knowledge and the ability to build robust supplier partnerships that support quality, consistency, and cost-effective growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement
* Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for confectionery, sauces, inclusions, and related raw materials.
* Monitor market trends, pricing movements, and supply chain risks to inform sourcing decisions.
* Identify and onboard new suppliers that enhance innovation, quality, and value.
Supplier Management
* Manage supplier performance through KPIs, regular reviews, audits, and ongoing communication.
* Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service levels to secure the best commercial terms.
* Ensure suppliers meet all technical, quality, safety, and compliance requirements expected within food manufacturing.
Quality & Technical Collaboration
* Work closely with Technical, NPD, and Production teams to ensure ingredients meet quality specifications and support successful product launches.
* Troubleshoot quality issues or supply challenges promptly and professionally.
Cost & Inventory Control
* Manage category budgets and contribute to cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
* Optimise order volumes, lead times, and stockholding to support uninterrupted production.
* Analyse spend data and identify opportunities for consolidation or efficiency improvements.
Cross-Functional Support
* Partner with NPD teams on new flavour concepts and innovation pipelines.
* Work with Supply Chain and Planning teams to ensure accurate forecasts and availability.
* Provide procurement insights for tender submissions and customer presentations when required.
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven experience as a Buyer or Category Manager within confectionery, sauces, inclusions, or related food ingredients.
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of successful negotiation and supplier development.
* Excellent understanding of food manufacturing supply chains and quality standards.
* Ability to interpret technical specifications and work collaboratively with internal teams.
* Analytical mindset with competence in cost modelling and data analysis.
* Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in procurement systems and Microsoft Office (Excel essential).
Why Beechdean?...
As an employee of Beechdean you will be entitled to the following:
* There are varied opportunities for career progression for those who are eager to learn
* A supportive and friendly working environment in which culture is at the heart of what we do.
* Family run company with a long history of sustainable success and developing people inhouse.
* We provide a long service reward to show our appreciation to loyalty at Beechdean and a birthday bonus which is paid in the payroll of your birthday month. This also increases every year you work for us
* A 'refer a friend' programme to ensure we are recruiting the best people we can to help drive our business forward.
* Free, onsite parking located in the picturesque village of Tattenhall, Cheshire.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person