Buyer

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Manufacturer growth

Procurement role variety

Professional development

Supplier management exposure

Competitive package

Job summary

Protea Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Buyer for a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will procure fresh raw materials, manage POs, and liaise with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and cost-effective sourcing.

You will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor market trends and support continuity of supply while aligning with quality specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, purchasing or buying within a manufacturing setting.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Excellent organisation and time management with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Procure fresh raw materials to meet production requirements.
• Raise and manage purchase orders with traceability.
• Coordinate deliveries with suppliers and resolve issues.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Monitor material pricing and maintain records.
• Support quality and goods-in teams to ensure specs.
• Work with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and credits.
• Ensure continuity of supply through supplier management.
• Source new ingredients for development and operations.
• Assist with customs clearance for imported goods where needed.
• Maintain supplier databases and procurement systems.
• Monitor stock levels and advise on rotation.
• Keep up with market trends and commodity pricing.
• Identify procurement process improvements and efficiencies.
• Collaborate with Production, Technical, Quality and NPD teams.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation

Supplier management

Organisation

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stock management

Food industry experience

Education

CIPS qualification or willing to pursue

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Customs software

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a fast-paced food manufacturing business. This role is responsible for the effective procurement of fresh raw materials, ensuring products are sourced to the required standards of quality, quantity and cost while maintaining continuity of supply.

Working closely with Production, Technical, Quality and Product Development teams, you will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor market trends and help ensure the smooth flow of materials into the manufacturing operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their procurement career within a growing FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure fresh raw materials to meet production requirements.
• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation and traceability.
• Liaise with suppliers to coordinate deliveries and resolve supply issues.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Monitor raw material pricing and maintain accurate purchasing records.
• Support quality and goods-in teams by ensuring products arrive to specification.
• Work with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, organise credits and manage supplier performance.
• Ensure continuity of supply through effective supplier management and contingency planning.
• Source new ingredients and raw materials to support product development and operational requirements.
• Support customs clearance activities for imported goods where required.
• Maintain supplier databases, purchasing information and procurement systems.
• Monitor stock levels and help ensure appropriate stock rotation.
• Keep up to date with market trends, seasonal availability and commodity pricing.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and drive operational efficiencies.
• Build strong working relationships across Production, Technical, Quality and NPD teams.

About You

You’ll be a proactive and organised procurement professional who enjoys working in a fast-moving manufacturing environment. You will be commercially aware, confident negotiating with suppliers and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a procurement, purchasing or buying role.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate record keeping.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Experience working within a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing or FMCG experience.
• Experience purchasing fresh produce, ingredients or raw materials.
• Knowledge of procurement or ERP systems.
• Experience with customs clearance or imported goods.
• Understanding of stock management and supply planning.
• CIPS qualification or a willingness to work towards one.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer.
• A varied and commercially focused procurement role.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Exposure to supplier management, commercial negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.