Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country’s major supermarkets and well‑known restaurants. We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door, giving careers across a wide range of functions. With major processing sites across England and Wales and an agricultural network of more than 350 farms spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales, we bring quality to every customer.
Our advanced manufacturing site in Brackley, one of our main processing facilities, employs over 700 talented people. After a recent £11 million investment in advanced technology and colleague amenities, it is one of the most advanced food manufacturing facilities in the UK.
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly competent and motivated Indirect Buyer to join our Procurement Team at the Brackley site. The role is office‑based but may require visits to the factory environment. Working hours are Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00.
What you’ll be doing as an Indirect Buyer at Avara
Reporting to the Category Lead, you will purchase goods, materials and services to meet the company’s operational needs, taking into account price, value, total cost of ownership, quality and delivery, and ensuring continuity of supply. You will support the Category Lead in creating and executing category strategies, and work with internal stakeholders to maintain day‑to‑day relationships across sites.
Key Responsibilities
* Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets in line with the company Procurement Policy.
* Support the Procurement function and other relevant departments, communicating any supply problems that may impact business operations.
* Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on Procurement processes and new projects and activities.
* Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the Category Lead.
* Have an understanding of the Category Spend, and implement agreed processes to better control spend in order to remain within budget.
* Understand category markets, cost drivers and suppliers.
* Provide analysis on costs, new and existing, and work on cost reduction activities, such as tenders.
* Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements.
* Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers, and review opportunities to make business savings using procurement best‑practice tools such as tenders.
* Contract management: follow the contract management process; work with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business, and review opportunities to make business savings.
* Communicate contract details and purchase order requirements to internal stakeholders in line with final negotiations with selected suppliers.
* Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships, and keep good communication to understand challenges and opportunities that may impact or benefit the business.
* Ensure a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.
* Ensure compliance to company guidelines, Procurement policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contract award processes.
* Conduct research for new products or services and suppliers, and work closely with internal stakeholders to gain buy‑in.
* Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluation.
* Assess and evaluate suppliers and conduct performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.
* Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues.
What You’ll Need to Be Successful
* Working towards a CIPS qualification
* Excellent analytical skills (including Excel experience)
* Excellent knowledge of contract terms and conditions
* Contract management and supplier experience
* Commercial awareness
* Excellent communication skills
* Ability to interface with cross‑functional teams and levels in the business
* Confidence and presentation skills
* Ability to make decisions under pressure
* Negotiation skills
* Tendering skills
* Risk management experience
The Benefits of Working for Avara Foods
As an Indirect Buyer, you will enjoy a secure, supportive and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements are recognised and rewarded. We offer comprehensive training, continuous development, and a range of benefits including:
* From £30,000 per annum
* 31 days holiday allowance
* Secure contract with long‑term career development opportunities
* Straight‑forward pension contribution of 6%
* Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
* Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme
* Salaried Advance Finance
* Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
* Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, including unlimited remote GP appointments, unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy sessions, medical second‑opinion consultation, and other discounts and perks, such as savings & discounts on weekly costs.
*Ts & Cs apply
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
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