Strategic Direct Procurement Buyer

True North Talent Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Talent Limited in London is seeking a Direct Procurement Buyer to own key supplier relationships and shape procurement strategy across direct spend in the chilled manufacturing sector. You will negotiate with suppliers, analyse market trends, monitor KPIs, and drive improvements in cost, quality, and efficiency while ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance.

This role offers exposure to senior stakeholders and opportunities to influence strategy across procurement, supply chain, and

Qualifications

• Previous procurement experience is essential.
• Strong FMCG background, ideally within chilled food.
• Experience in sourcing processes and contract negotiations.
• Experience operating at SLT level and contributing to wider business strategy.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance data and market conditions.
• Confidence in challenging stakeholders and influencing decisions.
• Track record of identifying opportunities for improvement and delivering results.
• Understanding of how procurement supports commercial and operational performance.
• Excellent communication skills engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, self-motivated approach, able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage key direct procurement supplier relationships.
• Support supplier negotiations, contracts and sourcing.
• Analyse market trends to identify opportunities and inform buying decisions.
• Track procurement KPIs and performance against strategy.
• Drive improvements in cost, quality, efficiency and processes.
• Ensure ethical sourcing, supplier traceability and compliance.
• Monitor purchase orders and resolve delivery issues with suppliers.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to manage inventory and reduce waste.
• Lead supplier performance improvements and continuous initiatives.
• Support NPD and wider business projects.
• Contribute to business strategy and represent Purchasing at SLT level.

Skills

Procurement experience

FMCG background

Sourcing & contracts

SLT experience

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Cost optimization

NPD involvement

Communication at all levels

Independent & proactive

Job description

True North Talent Limited in London is seeking a Direct Procurement Buyer to own key supplier relationships and shape procurement strategy across direct spend in the chilled manufacturing sector. You will negotiate with suppliers, analyse market trends, monitor KPIs, and drive improvements in cost, quality, and efficiency while ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance.

This role offers exposure to senior stakeholders and opportunities to influence strategy across procurement, supply chain, and