Mandarin Chinese Purchasing Manager FOOD

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food import/export business is seeking a Mandarin Chinese Purchasing Manager to oversee supplier relationships and manage a high-performing team. This senior role requires fluency in Mandarin and English, along with expertise in food procurement and a strong understanding of UK/EU food safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Experience in food procurement/buying is essential.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English.
• Knowledge of UK/EU import regulations and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage existing and new suppliers and a sales team.
• Oversee compliance with food safety regulations.
• Conduct supplier assessments and manage risks related to food hygiene.

Skills

Supplier Management

Negotiation

Team Management

Fluency in Mandarin

Fluency in English

Food Safety Knowledge

Education

Degree qualification

Job description

Job Description

Wonderful opportunity for a MANDARIN with a FOOD PURCHASING/PROCUREMENT background. This is a well-established food import/export business that specialises in importing specialist food products from China and supplies supermarkets and restaurant chains around the UK and internationally. The company has experienced recent growth due to increased interest in home-cooking during Covid. People are experimenting with new flavours and dishes, and this company has expanded to accommodate sophisticated and international cuisine.

In this role, you will manage existing and new suppliers, oversee a high-performing sales team, and leverage your expertise to support the company's growth plans. It’s a senior role requiring daily use of Mandarin and English, liaising with teams across the business to ensure suppliers meet EU food import safety requirements, manage stock planning, and ensure timely deliveries. This role is ideal for someone looking to advance their career.

Title: Mandarin Chinese Purchasing Manager FOOD

Salary: £60,000-£70,000 + excellent benefits

Work style: On-site

Location: Kent (free parking on site)

Requirements: Mandarin and English proficiency

Essential experience: Import/Export in the Food sector

Team management: Oversee a team of 3-5 people

Company details:

Major food import/export business specializing in Chinese foods for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers. You will manage a portfolio of suppliers based in China and Europe, track sales and stock, and assist in planning new orders. As a senior role, you will use Mandarin and English daily, liaising with various teams to ensure stock levels match order levels and timely deliveries. You will act as the link between suppliers and the business, managing a team of around 4 sales and sales administration staff.

Key duties include:

1. Supplier Management:

• Nurture and manage supplier relationships in Asia and Europe
• Manage buying strategies
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase profitability
• Negotiate pricing, delivery, and KPIs with new suppliers; contract signing
• Conduct supplier assessments and manage risks related to food hygiene, quality standards, and EU food safety requirements
• Oversee product launches

1. Supplier Compliance:

• Monitor compliance within the purchasing process
• Ensure accurate allergen, ingredient, and nutritional information across all items
• Oversee food quality standards
• Work with food import/export regulations

1. Demand Planning:

• Oversee stock planning
• Liaise with warehouse to ensure sufficient stock levels

1. Team Management:

• Coach, nurture, and retain the sales admin support team
• Identify skill gaps
• Recruit and train new staff
• Create a collaborative work environment, clarify responsibilities, and set performance targets

Requirements:

• Degree qualification
• Experience in food procurement/buying (essential)
• Fluent in Mandarin and English
• Knowledge of UK/EU import regulations and food safety standards