Buyer

Cast UK Limited; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering supplies business is seeking a commercially minded Buyer to manage and develop the non-food disposables category. This role combines procurement strategy with relationship management, offering an opportunity to drive category performance in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, experience in FMCG or similar industries, and the ability to build effective supplier relationships. Offering £35,000 to £45,000 basic salary plus bonus and benefits, this hybrid role is ideal for a proactive individual eager to make an impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Category Manager.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
• Experience managing procurement activities and developing category plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage all procurement activities across a designated product category.
• Develop and execute category plans (short, medium, and long-term).
• Negotiate pricing and trading agreements with suppliers.
• Support sustainability objectives in product sourcing and supplier selection.
• Collaborate on joint business plans and category growth initiatives.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills

Experience within FMCG, Catering Supplies, Manufacturing or similar industries

Ability to analyse data, forecast demand, and manage stock levels

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable

Comfortable working cross-functionally across departments

Job description

Buyer

Surrey

Permanent

Hybrid

£35,000 to £45,000 (DOE) basic salary + bonus + benefits

Are you a commercially minded Buyer or Category Manager ready for your next challenge? Do you have experience driving category performance, reducing costs and building strong supplier relationships?

An exciting opportunity has arisen within a leading catering supplies business for an ambitious individual to manage and develop the non-food disposables category. This role offers a fantastic platform to make a significant impact within a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Why should I apply?

If you're passionate about procurement, category growth and making a real difference - apply now to join a business that values innovation, integrity, and long-term success.

What will you be doing?

• Manage all procurement activities across a designated product category
• Develop and execute category plans (short, medium, and long-term)
• Evaluate commercial offers, customer tenders, and supplier proposals
• Continuously identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies
• Lead product selection, benchmarking, and tendering processes
• Analyse product performance, market trends, and customer demand
• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing suppliers
• Negotiate pricing and trading agreements
• Ensure supplier performance meets KPIs (e.g. OTIF, service levels)
• Collaborate on joint business plans and category growth initiatives
• Support sustainability objectives in product sourcing and supplier selection
• Work closely with Sales, Operations, Customer Service, and Senior Management
• Support the sales team in customer acquisition and tender processes
• Present category strategies to internal stakeholders
• Attend trade events and proactively assess market trends to inform strategy

What will you ideally bring to the role?

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Experience within FMCG, Catering Supplies, Manufacturing or similar industries
• Ability to analyse data, forecast demand, and manage stock levels
• Proficient in developing category plans and managing supplier performance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsProactive, self‑motivated, and adaptable with a focus on delivering results
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally across departments and stakeholders