Graduate Buyer

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Latham (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Protea Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Graduate Buyer to join a busy procurement team in a leading food manufacturing environment. You will assist with purchasing, raise orders and liaise with suppliers as you learn about sourcing, price negotiations and stock control.

Successful candidates will hold a business/SCM degree, show strong numerical and communication skills, and demonstrate the drive to develop a career in procurement and supply chain management. Training and mentoring are provided.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business / SCM or related discipline.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office.
• Willingness to learn and develop a career in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with purchasing of fresh produce, ingredients and raw materials.
• Raise purchase orders and monitor deliveries to ensure on-time arrival.
• Communicate with suppliers on pricing, availability and delivery schedules.
• Support supplier research, sourcing and price comparisons.
• Maintain purchasing records, supplier databases and stock information.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality and Goods-In teams to meet daily needs.
• Monitor raw material prices, seasonal availability and market trends.
• Help resolve purchasing queries, delivery discrepancies and stock shortages.
• Support sourcing of new materials for product development.
• Learn procurement systems and supplier management processes.
• Contribute ideas to improve purchasing efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / SCM

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Are you a recent graduate looking to build a career in procurement, purchasing or supply chain management?

An established food manufacturing business in County Down is looking for a motivated Graduate Buyer to join its procurement team.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-moving FMCG environment, working alongside experienced procurement professionals and learning how fresh produce and raw materials are sourced, purchased and delivered into a busy manufacturing operation.

You will gain exposure to supplier management, commercial negotiations, purchasing systems, stock control and supply chain planning, with opportunities to develop your skills and take on greater responsibility as you progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the purchasing of fresh produce, ingredients and raw materials.
• Raise purchase orders and monitor deliveries to ensure materials arrive on time.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, quality and delivery schedules.
• Support the procurement team with supplier research, sourcing and price comparisons.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier databases and stock information.
• Work closely with Production, Quality and Goods-In teams to support daily manufacturing requirements.
• Assist with monitoring raw material prices, seasonal availability and market trends.
• Help resolve purchasing queries, delivery discrepancies and stock shortages.
• Support the sourcing of new materials for product development projects.
• Learn procurement systems, purchasing procedures and supplier management processes.
• Contribute ideas to improve purchasing efficiency and reduce costs.

About You

• A degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Agriculture, Food Science, Economics or a related discipline.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for developing a career in procurement and supply chain management.

Desirable but not essential:

• Previous placement, internship or part-time experience in purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing or FMCG.
• An interest in food manufacturing, agriculture or fresh produce.
• Familiarity with ERP or purchasing systems.
• An interest in pursuing CIPS qualifications.

No previous buying experience is required. Full training and support will be provided.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to start your procurement career within an established food manufacturing business.
• Practical training and mentoring from experienced procurement professionals.
• Exposure to commercial buying, supplier relationships and fresh produce supply chains.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Varied responsibilities within a busy and supportive team.
• Competitive graduate salary and benefits package.