Head of Buying - FMCG

JR United Kingdom; Nechells; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food/retail business in the UK seeks a Head of Buying to shape strategy and lead procurement efforts. This role focuses on the full procurement life-cycle and requires a commercially-minded leader with extensive experience in food, FMCG, or retail. The position offers a salary up to £100,000 and the chance to drive significant impact in a fast-growing organization.

Benefits

Salary up to £100,000 per annum

Office-based role with strong team collaboration

High level of autonomy and visibility with senior leadership

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior buying role within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong track record of commercial negotiations.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to influence.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the full procurement life-cycle.
• Lead supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, and relationship management.
• Drive cost savings and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Commercial negotiations

Supplier performance management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Education

MCIPS qualification (preferred)

Tools

ERP/procurement systems

Job description

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Head of Buying - FMCG, birmingham (aston)

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Client:

FMCG Exec

Location:

birmingham (aston), 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:

? Head of Buying (Food/Retail Sector)

? Location: Shropshire, UK

? Salary: Up to £100,000 per annum

? Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

We’re working exclusively with a leading food/retail business based near Shropshire to recruit a Head of Buying — a newly created role offering real scope to shape strategy, streamline operations, and lead a growing procurement function.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially-minded procurement leader with deep expertise in food, FMCG, or retail sectors to join a thriving and ambitious organisation during a key phase of growth.

The Role

The Head of Buying will be responsible for the full procurement life-cycle, from sourcing and supplier management to contract negotiation, compliance, and cost optimisation. This role is pivotal in ensuring consistent supply, commercial agility, and operational excellence across the business.

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders and manage a dedicated buying team, with a focus on food ingredients, packaging, and operational goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a strategic buying road map aligned with business objectives
• Lead supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, and relationship management
• Drive cost savings, improve supplier performance, and mitigate supply chain risks
• Ensure compliance with food safety, ethical sourcing, and regulatory standards
• Deliver buying reporting and KPIs to the executive team
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and Product teams

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a senior buying role within food manufacturing, FMCG, or retail
• Strong track record of commercial negotiations and supplier performance management
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels
• Strategic mindset with excellent analytical and decision-making skills
• Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems and data-driven reporting
• MCIPS-qualified or working towards (preferred)

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £100,000 per annum, plus benefits
• Office-based role with strong team collaboration
• Opportunity to lead and scale a function in a fast-moving business
• High level of autonomy and visibility with senior leadership

Next Steps

If you're an experienced procurement leader ready for a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.