Category Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Category Buyer specializing in poultry and protein to enhance their procurement strategies. The role involves supplier negotiations, cross-functional collaboration, and market insights to drive operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have a background in food procurement, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a chilled environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Variety and autonomy in your role

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in food procurement, ideally in poultry or chilled categories.
• Strong negotiation skills with understanding of product costing.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop buying strategy for protein categories, aligning suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing and specifications with suppliers.
• Monitor market trends and present insights to stakeholders.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Experience in food procurement

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proactive mindset

Chilled environment experience

Education

Degree-level education or CIPS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

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Category Buyer, newcastle-upon-tyne, tyne and wear

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Client:

D R Newitt Recruitment

Location:

newcastle-upon-tyne, tyne and wear, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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Job Description:

Category Buyer – Poultry/ Protein

Location: Greater Manchester

Are you a commercially astute buyer with a passion for sourcing top-quality products and driving performance in a fast-paced, chilled food environment? A leading national food manufacturer and supplier is seeking a Category Buyer to take ownership of their protein procurement, with a particular focus on poultry, and play a vital role in supporting both operational excellence and strategic growth.

Your Responsibilities

• Take charge of the end-to-end buying strategy for key protein categories, aligning supplier partnerships with changing business needs.
• Negotiate directly with suppliers on pricing, volume, and product specifications – ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, planning, and operations teams to manage supplier performance and uphold service level agreements.
• Be the market expert in your category – monitoring trends, assessing risks, and presenting clear insights to both internal stakeholders and customers.
• Support tender processes by delivering timely, accurate forecasts and forward pricing indications.
• Maintain accurate supplier pricing data and oversee the seamless administration of cost updates.
• Identify and manage risks in the supply chain, ensuring consistent product availability.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience in food procurement – ideally in poultry or chilled/fresh categories.
• Strong negotiation skills with a keen understanding of product and material costing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems.
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset with the ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Comfortable working in a chilled environment and engaging with suppliers both in the UK and abroad.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.
• Ideally, degree-level education or CIPS qualification.
• Background in fresh meat or poultry supply is highly advantageous

In Return

• The opportunity to develop your career with one of the UK’s most respected food suppliers.
• A role that offers variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a measurable impact across the business.
• Be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Apply today to take the next step in your career as a strategic procurement specialist in the dynamic world of protein sourcing!