Senior Buyer

Liquidline; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays:

Long Service Annual Leave Entitlement

Buy/Sell Scheme

Candidate Referral Program

Company Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Sick Pay

Enhanced Parental Leave

Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

Life Assurance & Income Protection (UK

HSF Health Plan

YuLife Wellbeing Platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Lunch on Liquidline & Bi-Annual Confs

Job summary

Liquidline is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team on an 18-month maternity cover contract in Ipswich. You will own key product categories, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cost efficiencies while strengthening our supply chain.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in procurement or supply chain, strong category management, and excellent stakeholder management. You will partner with Sales, Operations and Finance to deliver value and sustainable supplier performance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience within a procurement, purchasing, or supply chain role.
• Strong knowledge of category management and supplier relationships.
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and delivering improvements.
• Analytical mindset with ability to identify opportunities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience using ERP systems and procurement data.
• Balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operations.
• Proactive, solution-focused with strong organisation.

Responsibilities

• Own key product categories and drive cost efficiencies.
• Develop category strategies focused on cost, quality, service, and risk.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers.
• Lead supplier negotiations and reviews for improvements.
• Identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor market trends and supply chain risks.
• Support ESG and sustainability in the supply chain.
• Maintain supplier data, pricing and product information in ERP.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Finance and Technical teams.
• Manage escalated supplier issues and implement solutions.
• Mentor Buyers and Junior Buyers.

Skills

Category management

Supplier relationship

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

ERP software

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Liquidline is the fastest-growing commercial coffee solutions provider in the UK and Ireland—not that we’re bragging! Our customers are companies that take pride in offering quality refreshments to their employees and clients. Our success is built on outstanding customer service, hard work, and a strong team culture. We believe in delivering WOW experiences to both our customers and our valued employees.

We are proud to be Great Place to Work® certified, a testament to our dedication to fostering a culture of support, growth and development, as well as promoting well-being, and winning together. With our core company values—passion, thoughtfulness, responsiveness, innovation, and smart working—at the very heart of our business, we are committed to cultivating an environment that inspires excellence.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships, driving commercial value, and influencing business performance through strategic purchasing decisions.

This position will be an 18 month maternity cover contract.

Responsibilities

As Senior Buyer, you will take ownership of key product categories, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver cost efficiencies, manage risk, improve service levels, and support business growth. You’ll play a key role in shaping procurement strategy while helping to develop supplier performance and strengthen our overall supply chain.

• Managing the commercial and purchasing performance of assigned product categories.
• Developing and implementing category strategies focused on cost, quality, service, and risk management.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Leading supplier negotiations and performance reviews to deliver continuous improvement.
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings, value enhancement, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitoring market trends and supply chain risks, providing insights to support business decisions.
• Supporting ESG and sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, including ethical sourcing and compliance requirements.
• Ensuring supplier data, pricing, and product information are accurately maintained within ERP systems.
• Collaborating with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Technical teams to support business objectives and new product development projects.
• Managing escalated supplier issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Mentoring and supporting Buyers and Junior Buyers within the team.

Requirements

• 3-5 years’ experience within a procurement, purchasing, or supply chain role.
• Strong knowledge of category management, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing.
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and delivering commercial improvements.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to analyse data and identify opportunities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems and procurement data.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational priorities.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with excellent organisational skills.

Being a part of Liquidline is more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow, develop and thrive! We are deeply invested in the success of our team and our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support, and reward our employees. The package includes, but is not limited too:

• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays:Extra time off to rest and recharge.
• Long Service Annual Leave Entitlement & Buy/Sell Scheme:More flexibility for your time off needs.
• Candidate Referral Program:Help grow our team and earn rewards
• Company Bonus Scheme: Celebrate success with us.
• Enhanced Sick Pay:Supporting you when you need it most
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for your family journey
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme:Save for your future with ease.
• Life Assurance & Income Protection (UK Only):Peace of mind for you.
• HSF Health Plan:Access affordable healthcare.
• YuLife Wellbeing Platform:One stop shop for wellbeing, rewards and support.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Mental health support, virtual GP services and more.
• Lunch on Liquidline & Bi-Annual Conferences: Enjoy lunch on Liquidline, and Bi Annual company conferences.

Liquidline is a fast-growing, family owned business that has expanded from 92 to over 300 employees since 2020. With ambitious plans for the next five years, there’s never been a better time to join us! Our dynamic and innovative environment offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer, treating everyone with fairness, respect and appreciation. At Liquidline, we embrace diversity and value the unique experiences and perspectives of every individual. Together, we are always Winning Together!