Senior Buyer - Food Manufacturing

William Jackson Food Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking a Senior Buyer to enhance procurement activities. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving ESG initiatives. Ideal candidates will have strong negotiation skills and experience in food manufacturing. The position offers a hybrid working structure and various employee benefits, including a discretionary bonus and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 public holidays

Auto-Enrolment Pension

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Life assurance from day one

Cycle to work scheme

Employee benefits portal with retail discounts

Free parking on site

Up to 40% discount on Company products

Subsidised Canteen

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced procurement role, ideally in food manufacturing.
• Strong supplier management skills and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies.
• Negotiate market-beating contract terms with suppliers.
• Provide leadership and development to direct report.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Data Analysis

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview - Senior Buyer – Greenford, London

Delivering added value to the business through best-in-class procurement activities, including responsibility for direct spend categories, sourcing of new products, and driving our responsible sourcing programme as part of our ESG agenda. The post holder will also manage and develop a direct report, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering professional growth.

About Belazu

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business with impressive accreditations, from B Corp status to silver standard Investors in People, and recognition in 2024 as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work. We are a diverse team driven by a shared passion for quality and innovation. With over 30 years of leadership in supplying premium Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients, Belazu continues to grow and expand its impact in the UK’s food industry.

What The Day Job Looks Like

As a Senior Buyer, you will:

1. Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies aligned with business objectives, delivering cost leadership, innovation, service excellence, process & product improvements, and risk management.
2. Manage supplier evaluation, selection, and contract management to ensure optimal terms and long-term partnerships.
3. Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the direct report, ensuring their professional growth and capability building.
4. Negotiate market-beating contract terms with suppliers to maximize value for the business.
5. Drive an increasing percentage of spend under contract for managed suppliers.
6. Continuously improve supplier performance to meet and exceed business objectives related to cost, quality, and service.
7. Ensure accurate and up-to-date forward cost forecasts.
8. Act as the key escalation point for supplier-related commercial issues, supporting other business areas as needed.
9. Provide regular market analysis, insights, and benchmark data to support category planning and risk management.
10. Support the delivery of all supplier claims.
11. Support the rollout of key ESG and procurement-led initiatives.
12. Contribute to compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Socio-Environmental/Energy standards, supporting Belazu's company-wide objectives.

This Role Will Suit You If

You have experience in a fast-paced procurement role, ideally in food manufacturing. You’re a sharp negotiator with strong supplier management skills. You think strategically and are resourceful. You’re data-savvy and comfortable with cost and market analysis. You enjoy mentoring and developing others. You have a degree or equivalent qualification. You thrive in cross-functional environments where collaboration is key.

This Role May Not Be For You If

You shy away from negotiation and supplier-facing discussions. You aren’t a self-starter. You struggle with time management, reliability, deadlines, or working effectively as part of a team. You’re not comfortable influencing others or coaching team members.

What’s in it for you?

25 days annual leave + 8 public holidays, increasing with service. Auto-Enrolment Pension, plus an enhanced pension option. Discretionary annual bonus scheme. Learning and development opportunities. Life assurance from day one. Cycle to work scheme. Employee benefits portal with retail discounts, EAP and GP services, and financial support tools. Volunteer days. Free parking on site. Up to 40% discount on Company products. Socials and internal awards. Subsidised Canteen.

Terms

40 hrs/week (Monday–Friday). Hybrid working structure. 3-month probationary period. Annual salary review – our ‘movers and shakers’ are always rewarded! 10% KPI-related bonus based on performance.

Ready to source smarter and drive responsible growth with Belazu? Apply now!

Thanks for reading our job advert. We do our very best to bring to life what it's like working as part of our team. Diverse teams really are the best teams. We want everyone to feel they can be themselves at work and develop their talents to the full. All colleagues are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying — a place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

We also know that sometimes some candidates may be put off applying for a job unless they think they can tick every box. If you are really excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren't sure if you are 100% there yet... go on... why not give it a whirl? Good luck!