Buyer

Protea Recruitment; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Recruitment is seeking a proactive Buyer for a site-based role in Newtownards. You will oversee procurement of fresh raw materials, build strong supplier relationships, and ensure production continuity by managing orders and supplier performance.

You will collaborate with Production, Technical, Quality and NPD teams, monitor market trends, and help drive cost efficiency while maintaining quality and traceability across all materials.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Procure fresh raw materials to meet production requirements.
• Raise and manage purchase orders with traceability.
• Liaise with suppliers to coordinate deliveries and resolve supply issues.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Monitor raw material pricing and maintain purchasing records.
• Support quality and goods-in teams by ensuring products arrive to specification.
• Work with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and manage supplier performance.
• Ensure continuity of supply through supplier management and contingency planning.
• Source new ingredients and raw materials for product development and operations.
• Support customs clearance activities for imported goods where required.
• Maintain supplier databases, purchasing information and procurement systems.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure stock rotation.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

MS Office

Manufacturing environment experience

Procurement experience

ERP systems knowledge

Education

CIPS qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Buyer

Location: Newtownards (Site-Based)

About the Role

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

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.