Buyer (FMCG/Food)

Vickerstock; Magherafelt; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced Buyer (FMCG/Food) to manage supply agreements and ensure the seamless supply of ingredients and packaging. The ideal candidate will have solid procurement experience within food manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems. This full-time permanent position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment focused on cost control and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a Buying or Procurement role within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Skilled in using ERP/MRP systems and Excel.
• Proactive and solutions-driven individual who takes ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing, negotiation, and management of suppliers.
• Analyse market trends for competitive pricing.
• Ensure robust stock availability through forecasting.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Support procurement strategy with tenders and negotiations.
• Work with Quality and Technical teams for compliance.
• Resolve supply challenges to minimize production risk.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Experience in Buying or Procurement

Confident communicator

Skilled in ERP/MRP systems

Proactive and solutions-driven

Tools

Excel

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a major food manufacturing business who are now seeking a Buyer (FMCG/Food) to join their procurement function and play a key role in ensuring the smooth, cost-effective supply of ingredients, packaging, and consumables. This is a full‑time permanent position.

The Role

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Buyer will operate in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment where supplier performance, cost control, and stock availability are critical. You will work closely with production, planning, quality, and NPD teams to ensure materials are sourced competitively, delivered on time, and aligned with customer and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the sourcing, negotiation, and ongoing management of suppliers across ingredients, packaging, and indirect spend.
• Analyse market trends and commodity movements to secure competitive pricing while maintaining product integrity.
• Ensure robust stock availability through accurate forecasting and close collaboration with planning and production teams.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, conducting regular performance and service‑level reviews.
• Support wider procurement strategy through tenders, cost bench marking, and contract negotiations.
• Work in partnership with Quality and Technical teams to uphold full supplier compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, and customer requirements.
• Act decisively to resolve supply challenges and minimise any risk to production schedules.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance purchasing efficiency, cost control, and supply chain performance.

About You (Revised)

• Demonstrable experience in a Buying or Procurement role within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across teams and supplier networks.
• Skilled in ERP/MRP systems and Excel.
• A proactive, solutions‑driven individual who takes ownership, shows initiative, and maintains a high level of accuracy.

To be considered for this position, please APPLY today and get in touch with our supply chain specialist Michael Irwin today!