Buyer

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

Job summary

A leading company in the gardening sector seeks a Buyer to optimize procurement of packaging materials, services, and utilities. This role is crucial for supply chain operations, requiring strong negotiation skills and a commitment to sustainability. Join a passionate team dedicated to making gardening accessible to all.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a buying or procurement role.
• Solid understanding of contract management and procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and manage contracts for packaging materials.
• Monitor and control utility contracts ensuring cost-efficiency.

Skills

Negotiation

Organizational Skills

Analytical Abilities

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Procurement/ERP Systems

Job description

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At Mr Fothergills Seed’s we are in the business of bringing gardens to life. Known for our exceptional range of seeds, garden products and horticultural expertise with well-known brands such as Mr Fothergill’s, Johnsons, DT Brown and Darlac our products can be found in garden centre's, big retailers and direct to consumers through our websites and catalogues. We have a legacy of quality, a loyal customer base and are committed to inspiring and empowering gardeners of all levels.

We are a passionate team with a strong can-do attitude. We show respect to one another and are keen to innovate on our respective areas of expertise. We value agility, understand the journey our business is on and strive to add our unique mark onto that journey. We work hard but don’t forget to have fun. Our company purpose is “Helping Everyone Grow” and we extend that purpose to everything we do.

As a Buyer, reporting to our Head of Procurement, you will drive value through the business in the procurement of packaging materials, services, and utilities. This role is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of our supply chain and the consistent delivery of high-quality solutions whilst optimising value and sustainability.

Core Responsibilities:

• Source, negotiate, and manage contracts for a wide range of packaging materials, including but not limited to cartons, sachets, films, and labels.
• Procure and manage services including but not limited to facilities management, waste disposal, equipment maintenance, and third-party logistics.
• Monitor and control utility contracts (electricity, gas, water, telecoms) ensuring cost-efficiency and compliance with sustainability targets.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers while identifying and onboarding new, reliable partners.
• Collaborate with production, operations, and sustainability teams to align purchasing with business objectives.
• Track market trends, price fluctuations, and supply risks; implement contingency plans, as necessary.
• Analyse and report on spend, savings, and supplier performance.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.

We are looking for someone who has proven experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally within manufacturing, FMCG or a consumer goods environment and exhibit strong negotiation ability manage and build successful supplier relationships. You will also demonstrate :

• Excellent organisational and analytical abilities.
• Solid understanding of contract management and procurement best practices.
• Familiarity with sustainability considerations in purchasing decisions.
• Competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and procurement/ERP systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team.
• Appreciation of gardening and growing from a business or personal perspective
• Evaluation of potential new products. E-commerce experience is preferred, but not essential. A positive attitude, respect for others, and a willingness to contribute to continuous improvement are key.

The world of gardening should be accessible to all and it’s important that our teams reflect the diversity of our customers, ensuring that our products meet everyone’s needs. Therefore, we very much welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We’re ‘rooting’ for you!