Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service)

JR United Kingdom; Belfast; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food retailer in Northern Ireland is seeking a Senior Trader/Buyer to oversee trading and purchasing for 11 retail stores. This pivotal role involves sourcing products, managing supplier relationships, and executing buying strategies aligned with market trends. Ideal candidates will have experience in the foodservice or FMCG sectors and possess strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Buyer or Trader role within the foodservice or FMCG sector.
• Deep understanding of supply chain and procurement practices.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing high-quality products and building supplier relationships.
• Negotiating buying terms and monitoring market trends.
• Supporting development of category plans and new product development.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Commercial acumen

Analytical mindset

Strong communication

Tools

Excel

Job description

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Trader/Senior Buyer (Food Service), belfast

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Client:

MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy

Location:

belfast, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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Job Description:

MCS Group is delighted to partner with a leading Food retailer in Northern Ireland, to recruit a Senior Trader/Buyer to join their Commercial team.

Want a role with Autonomy to run Trading & Purchasing across 11 different retail stores across the country?

Have an Entrepreneurial mindset?

As a Trader/Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial buying strategy.

You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices, building supplier relationships, and optimising stock levels to ensure availability, profitability, and alignment with customer demand.

You will work closely with our procurement, sales, category, and supply chain teams to analyse market trends, negotiate supplier terms, and deliver value across the business.

You will be involved in;

Identifying new products and supplier opportunities across foodservice categories (e.g. chilled, ambient, frozen, fresh produce, disposables).

Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to secure best pricing, terms, and product quality.

Negotiating buying terms, rebates, and cost prices in line with margin expectations and company strategy.

Monitoring market trends, seasonal changes, competitor activity, and customer demand to inform buying decisions.

Support the development and execution of category plans, including new product development.

Criteria;

Proven experience in a Buyer, Trader, or Commercial role within the foodservice, FMCG, or wholesale sector.

Strong commercial acumen with negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

A deep understanding of Supply chain, procurement practices, and category management.

Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing abilities.

Analytical mindset with strong Excel and reporting skills.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Alan Montgomery, Specialist Consultant at MCS Group 02896935492

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs

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