Buyer

Job Advert: Buyer

Location: Chichester- Onsite

Shift Pattern/Hours: Monday - Friday (37.75 hours per week)

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buyer to join our dynamic Procurement and Supply Chain team. As a key member of the function, you will take overall responsibility for a category, leading price negotiations, collaborating with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of key materials, while maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet business objectives.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage external suppliers for packaging and dry goods.
• Develop a detailed understanding of your category, market trends, innovations, and industry best practices to support key business decisions.
• Lead strategic and tactical pricing negotiations for key materials.
• Evaluate bids and make recommendations based on commercial and technical factors.
• Conduct research to identify the best products and suppliers in terms of value, delivery schedules, and quality.
• Identify new suppliers, negotiate terms, and secure supply agreements, including discount structures and volume rebates.
• Ensure competitive pricing for materials purchased.
• Oversee the purchasing process for the category, ensuring timely delivery and meeting site requirements.
• Communicate forecasting data to suppliers and maintain accurate stock levels to meet production volumes while managing risk.
• Provide cross-functional support for new packaging requirements related to supply/commercial changes.
• Continuously improve purchasing methods and drive cost reductions.
• Develop processes, expertise, and systems to support category-led improvements.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, including supplier visits and building good rapport.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and implement clear action plans.
• Manage the invoicing process, including issue resolution.
• Produce monthly, weekly, and annual cost reports, including forecasts and budgets.
• Complete forecasts, budgets, and analyze trends impacting future activities.

Knowledge & Skills Required:

• A relevant third-level qualification (e.g., CIPS).
• Proven experience in managing procurement and sourcing relationships within an FMCG environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent negotiation abilities, and commercially astute.
• Resilient with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to support multiple sites.
• Highly analytical with strong IT skills.
• Demonstrated business improvement mindset and ability to drive change.

If you are an experienced Buyer with a passion for procurement, supply chain management, and are eager to contribute to the ongoing success of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Apply today!