The role of Packaging & Ingredients Buyer is a key position within the Procurement team. The role is designed to support the Procurement Manager and Aquascot by managing all purchasing requirements for packaging and ingredients on behalf of Aquascot.
The main purpose of this role is to ensure Packaging & Ingredient supply throughout the factory as effectively and efficiently as possible.
As a key member of the procurement team this role is the interface between production and suppliers. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives towards minimising wastage costs to support overall departmental objectives.
To work to the highest standards of Quality and Customer care, promoting and demonstrating Aquascot values and taking responsibility for the capturing of photographic and video evidence to highlight poor quality material or where material does not conform to our specifications.
Whilst the primary role is centred on packaging and ingredients buying, there will also be the requirement to be responsible for the management of a range of other non-food contracts, notably, office equipment, waste and utilities.
Aquascot is an employee owned business operating within the food industry; established for over 30 years it has a significant presence in the highlands. We are based in Alness, Ross-Shire and are committed to providing sustainable, high quality food to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure on time in full (OTIF) delivery of orders, in line with business needs and dealing with changes as required in a timely manner to maintain high service levels.
* Purchasing and scheduling all packaging & ingredients and other items as required in line with business demands.
* Support regular supplier reviews to ensure AQS kept informed of latest trends and pricing of supply materials.
* Support the setting up and management of supplier SLAs.
* Work closely with the Procurement Manager, and often lead, procurement tenders for a packaging & ingredients.
* Work closely with Procurement Manager in the setting of ingredients budget as part of overall AQS budget process.
* Support the research, development and potential implementation/utilisation of the latest ingredient solutions, technologies, machinery. This will include industry benchmarking and regular market analysis.
* Monitor and report on Ingredient Usage Variance (IUV) to ensure efficient use of ingredients across the business and to drive waste/material reduction.
* Monitor and report on Purchase Price Variance (PPV) to ensure overall cost of ingredients meets budget and plan targets
* Key role within the department in leading the systemisation of many of the procurement processes and ensuring IT solution(s) fit for purpose for the needs of the Procurement Department & AQS business.
* Full responsibility for the effective, professional and timely management of all operations within your remit to ensure targets and budgets are met or exceeded in accordance with customer and company standards e.g. budgets, service level etc.
* Invoice approval for suppliers within packaging & ingredients remit & other suppliers where required and working with accounts to ensure compliance to finance procedures
* Liaise with AQS commercial team for promotions, delists and new products to ensure adequate ingredients stocks are maintained but there is risk mitigation against potential write off costs/wastage.
* Liaise with AQS commercial team (including NPD) on innovation, product development and improvement projects. To ensure AQS leading the way on materials and ingredient innovations available.
* Monitoring stock and reconciliation, updating finance and agreeing action plans as required with relevant functions to ensure business needs and policies are met or exceeded.
* Monthly reporting of slow moving or obsolete stock to enable decision making process of timely stock right off.
* Deputise for Procurement Manager when required and agreed on a case by case basis.
* Support and stand-in for other Buyers when required to ensure Raw Material and Ingredients are available to meet production volumes
* Requires the ability to negotiate and influence with internal and external stakeholders on various elements of business, at various levels of seniority.
* Lead and deliver on Continuous Improvement projects across your function and support CI projects led by others as required
* Creation, review and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or Work Instructions for all relevant processes related to the role.
Key Attributes
* Adaptable and flexible approach to work
* Diligent and tenacious, with keen eye and attention to detail
* Committed, resilient and reliable
* Reliable and punctual
* Eager to learn, with a can-do attitude
* Problem solving and use initiative
* Being able to prioritise workload and multi-task
Essential
* Purchasing or other relevant area of study
Please send a CV and cover letter to Andy Wilson, Commercial Director, at if you are interested in this position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bereavement leave
* Canteen
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Gym membership
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Profit sharing
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 28/08/2025
Reference ID: Buyer