Category Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national food manufacturer is seeking a Category Buyer to lead protein procurement, focusing on poultry. This role demands strong negotiation skills, experience in food procurement, and a proactive, solutions-driven mindset. Join a collaborative team to drive performance and achieve strategic growth in a dynamic chilled food environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunity

Variety and autonomy in role

Collaborative and innovative team culture

Qualifications

• Experience in food procurement, ideally in poultry or chilled products.
• Strong negotiation skills with an understanding of product costing.
• Must have a full UK driving licence and be flexible to travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end buying strategy for key protein categories.
• Negotiate with suppliers for pricing and specifications.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to maintain supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Proactive Mindset

Supplier Management

Market Analysis

Project Management

Education

Degree-level education or CIPS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP Systems

Job description

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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!