Senior Buyer

The Oval Partnership; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oval Partnership is seeking a high-performing Senior Buyer to own the Indirects and operational goods category spend across its UK sites. You will shape the sourcing strategy, lead end-to-end tendering, negotiate contracts and SLAs, and drive continuous profit improvement.

You will partner with site operations, technical teams and senior leadership to ensure supply stability, manage budgets, forecast costs, and recover any commercial value.

Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Proven procurement experience gained within a UK food / FMCG manufacturing or fast-moving supply chain environment.
• Commercial & P&L acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial modelling and risk mitigation.
• Negotiation & influence: Track record negotiating complex supplier contracts and SLAs.
• Self-starter mentality: High autonomy and proactive ownership in a fast-paced environment.
• Stakeholder focus: Strong communication with site ops, technical teams and executives.
• Analytical precision: Proficient in data analysis and IT tools to drive commercial decisions.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy & Supply Security: Define and implement sourcing strategies for operational goods and services.
• End-to-End Tendering & Negotiations: Lead tender processes from market mapping to award, negotiate terms and SLAs.
• Profit Improvement Plan (PIP): Develop and deliver cost-reduction initiatives across operational categories.
• Financial Oversight & Forecasting: Manage category budgets, produce monthly forecasts and analyse variances.
• Executive & Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Present contract award recommendations to senior leadership.
• Supplier Performance & Cost Recovery: Manage supplier relationships and recover non-conformance costs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Data analysis

Job description

A leading FMCG manufacturer with multiple UK sites, is seeking a high-performing Senior Buyer to take end-to-end ownership of their Indirects and operational goods category spend.

In this pivotal role, the Senior Buyer will define and execute the sourcing strategy across operational goods and services, lead high-value contract negotiations, and drive continuous profit improvement initiatives.

You will act as a key commercial partner across site operations, technical teams, and executive leadership to secure long-term supply stability, robust service level agreements, and maximum value.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Buyer include:

• Sourcing Strategy & Supply Security: Define and implement robust procurement sourcing strategies to guarantee full availability of target operational goods and services at highly competitive input costs.
• End-to-End Tendering & Negotiations: Lead complex tender processes from market mapping to award, negotiating contract terms and SLAs that deliver commercial value and long-term business stability.
• Profit Improvement Plan (PIP): Continuously develop and deliver the operational procurement PIP, driving cost-reduction initiatives and sustainable value creation across operational categories.
• Financial Oversight & Forecasting: Manage category budgets, produce accurate monthly forecasts, analyse cost variances, and implement corrective actions to hit financial targets.
• Executive & Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present compelling contract award recommendations to senior leadership, serving as a trusted advisor across the business.
• Supplier Performance & Cost Recovery: Partner with site operational and technical teams to manage supplier relationships, resolve service and quality issues, and proactively recover non-conformance costs.

What We Are Looking For

• Industry Experience: Proven procurement experience gained within a UK food / FMCG manufacturing or fast-moving supply chain environment.
• Commercial & P&L Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, budget tracking, financial modelling, and risk mitigation to drive bottom-line results.
• Negotiation & Influence: Demonstrated success in negotiating complex contract terms with suppliers, using structured influence to gain internal stakeholder buy-in.
• Self-Starter Mentality: High autonomy and drive; a proactive professional who takes ownership of outcomes and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Stakeholder Focus: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a strong appreciation for internal customers across site operations, technical, and executive teams.
• Analytical Precision: Proficient in data analysis, IT tools, and financial evaluation to drive evidence-based commercial decisions.