Materials & Services Buyer - Wilkin & Sons

MorePeople; Essex; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading British food manufacturer is seeking a Materials & Services Buyer to join the Procurement team. This essential role will support operational continuity by driving supplier performance and cost efficiencies. Candidates should possess strong administration skills, experience with MS Office, and a proactive approach. Previous experience in procurement is desirable. The position offers an opportunity for career development within a stable and growing company.

Benefits

Exposure across a varied spend portfolio

Collaborative, people-focused team

Opportunity for career development

Qualifications

• Experience in a buying or procurement role is a plus.
• Background in manufacturing, supply chain, or retail is desirable.
• Ability to analyze data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing across materials.
• Manage purchase orders and supplier records effectively.
• Track deliveries to ensure timely supply.

Skills

Strong administration and organisational skills

Confident communicator

Experience working with MS Office

Previous experience using an ERP system

Proactive and detail-driven approach

Education

CIPS Level 3 (or working towards)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Wilkin & Sons is a British food manufacturing business with a proud heritage, best known for producing some of the UK's most loved premium food brands. Due to continued investment and growth, we're looking to recruit a Materials & Services Buyer to join the Procurement team at their Tiptree site.

This is a key role within the business, supporting operational continuity while driving value, supplier performance and cost efficiencies across materials and services.

The Role

Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the timely, cost-effective and compliant procurement of goods and services that support both day-to-day operations and longer-term strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting sourcing, negotiation and purchasing across a wide range of materials and services
• Managing purchase orders, invoices and supplier records through the ERP system
• Tracking deliveries to ensure on-time supply and minimise disruption
• Monitoring stock levels and recommending replenishment based on demand forecasts
• Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships
• Conducting market research to identify trends, risks and cost‑saving opportunities
• Evaluating supplier performance across quality, delivery, service and price
• Supporting compliance with internal procurement policies and external standards (e.g. BRC)
• Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders across the business

What We're Looking For

You don't need to tick every box, but the ideal candidate will bring a mix of strong organisation, communication and commercial awareness.

Essential:

• Strong administration and organisational skills
• Confident communicator (written, verbal and face-to-face)
• Experience working with MS Office and handling data for analysis and reporting
• Previous experience using an ERP system
• A proactive, detail‑driven and team‑focused approach

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a buying or procurement role
• Background within manufacturing, supply chain, retail or hospitality
• Advanced Excel or data analysis capability
• Experience working in a fast‑paced procurement environment
• CIPS Level 3 (or working towards)

Why Join Wilkin & Sons?

• Join a highly respected British food manufacturer with strong values and long‑term vision
• Work in a collaborative, people‑focused procurement team
• Gain exposure across a varied and interesting spend portfolio
• Opportunity to develop your procurement career within a stable and growing business

Interested?

For a confidential conversation click apply and contact James on:

(url removed)

(phone number removed) / (phone number removed)