Purchasing Manager

Natural Innovations; Beeston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation firm in the UK seeks an experienced Purchasing Manager to oversee the procurement of raw materials and packaging. This role involves developing purchasing strategies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have 3+ years of experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This opportunity offers competitive pay, plus benefits including a contributory pension, holidays, and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Contributory pension

28 days holiday including Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts platform access

Regular team lunches

Opportunities for development

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in vegetables.
• Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards, and sourcing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with reliable suppliers.
• Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies.
• Oversee the inventory of raw materials and packaging supplies.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers.
• Ensure all purchased materials meet food safety standards.
• Collaborate with production and finance teams to forecast material needs.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Experience with inventory management systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Purchasing software

Job description

Since 2002, we’ve been the trusted partner for global food brands, helping them make a lasting impression on today’s food lovers.

As innovators, we specialise in bespoke plant‑led ingredients and menu solutions that bring bold, creative flavours to the table. From major foodservice brands to food manufacturers and recipe kit providers, we collaborate to inspire, innovate, and deliver high‑quality ingredients for on‑trend dishes.

We believe that great ideas come from all areas of the business. That’s why we foster a collaborative, open, and diverse environment for both our teams and our customers. We treat everyone with respect and integrity, creating an inspiring environment where we can all work, learn, and grow together.

Joining Natural Innovations is also joining a community that nurtures its workforce, with regular food events and staff recognition. We strive to ensure our colleagues are rewarded for their dedication and hard work, while working together to produce products to a high standard.

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced Purchasing Manager to join our team at Natural Innovations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the procurement of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging. You will manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure that the purchasing process is efficient, cost‑effective, and compliant with food safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with reliable suppliers and vendors for raw materials, packaging, and other goods required for production.
• Purchasing Strategy: Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies to ensure the company has timely access to high‑quality materials at competitive prices.
• Inventory Management: Oversee the inventory of raw materials and packaging supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels to avoid production delays while minimizing overstock and waste.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and cost savings for the company.
• Quality Control: Work closely with the technical team to ensure all purchased materials meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Forecasting & Budgeting: Collaborate with production and finance teams to forecast material needs based on production schedules, and maintain a budget for purchasing.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure timely delivery of materials to avoid disruptions in production, and troubleshoot any supply chain issues that may arise.
• Compliance: Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry standards, and government regulations related to food safety, labeling, and sustainability.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, supplier performance, and cost savings for senior management.
• Team Leadership: Lead, train, and mentor the purchasing team, ensuring efficiency and continuous improvement in purchasing practices.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field. (Or equivalent work experience)
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in vegetables.
• Skills:
  • Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience.
  • Experience in dealing with seasonality in products.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards, and sourcing strategies.
  • Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and purchasing software.
  • Strong communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Preferred:
  • Experience with inventory management systems and ERP software.
  • Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is a plus.

BENEFITS

• A competitive salary
• A supportive management team with an open door policy
• 8% contributory pension (5% contributed by you)
• 28 days holiday, including Bank Holidays
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a discounts platform offering discounts at many high street stores
• Membership to The Company Shop based in Long Eaton
• Regular team lunches, Christmas hampers and team building events
• Opportunities to develop by taking part in recognised courses
• Opportunities to progress with a promote from within attitude
• Close to good transport links (bus and tram) with limited car parking available on site

Our core values

Innovative partners: Our partnerships are built on a shared passion for innovation, exceptional quality products and an agile and responsive approach to business. We understand what our customers need, and we deliver it.

Quality commitment: We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional quality in everything we produce. That means meticulous attention to detail and incredibly high standards. From sourcing raw ingredients to maintaining rigorous food safety and technical standards, our partners can always count on our unwavering quality, consistency, and reliability.

Inclusivity matters: Great ideas come from all areas of our business. That’s why we work collaboratively, fostering open, diverse and inclusive spaces for both employees and customers. By treating everyone with respect and integrity, we create an inspiring environment for us all to work, learn, and grow.

Planetary care: Our commitment is to prioritise the health of the planet and employ sustainable practices that protect and restore it. Through responsible sourcing, ecofriendly operations and innovative solutions we strive to minimise our footprint and ensure a positive impact for future generations.