Mandarin FOOD Buyer

ABL Recruitment; Erith; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK business is seeking a proactive Mandarin FOOD Buyer based in Erith. This key role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic supply chain environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills and a passion for food, contributing to the company's expansion and commitment to quality.

Benefits

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin (written and spoken).
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Source and negotiate with suppliers for best pricing and terms.
• Maintain purchasing contracts and ensure compliance.
• Forecast stock levels and manage orders.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

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This role is based in Erith for an experienced Mandarin FOOD Buyer. If you have a food services background and a passion for food, then this is a lovely opportunity to join a well-established UK business that supplies supermarkets and restaurants with delicious new Asian and Asian-inspired recipes and products. The company is expanding its food range to accommodate increasingly sophisticated consumer tastes, and the brand is underpinned by its strict QA processes, making it a trusted supplier to its clients. This is a KEY ROLE in the supply chain, and the business prides itself on adhering to the highest standards of food safety, which is an essential part of its branding strategy.

Title: Mandarin FOOD Buyer

• Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
• Location: Erith
• Car Parking: Free Parking
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Work Style: Fully office-based

Our client is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Mandarin FOOD Buyer to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely procurement of goods while maintaining cost efficiency and compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills, analytical abilities, and experience in supply chain management to ensure smooth operations and mitigate risks in our global supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Source and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best pricing, terms, and conditions.
2. Maintain purchasing contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier terms to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.
3. Forecast stock levels and place orders to maintain optimal inventory while avoiding shortages or excess.
4. Track order delivery status and manage customs clearance documentation for international shipments.
5. Research food safety and customs regulations to ensure compliance with import/export requirements.
6. Communicate with suppliers and internal teams (sales, logistics, quality control) regarding delivery status, product quality issues, and sales performance.
7. Assist in improving product specifications to meet market and regulatory standards.
8. Handle ad-hoc tasks as assigned by the line manager to support procurement and supply chain efficiency.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar role (logistics, compliance, or supply chain coordination).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical mindset to interpret data and drive decision-making.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while proactively addressing emerging risks.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin (written and spoken).