Senior Buyer – Ingredients & Packaging Procurement

About the role

A leading UK food manufacturing business is seeking a Senior Buyer to own the strategic procurement of ingredients and packaging, managing a £20m spend portfolio within a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage supplier performance, cost control and security of supply across critical spend areas.
• Lead commercial negotiations with UK and international suppliers.
• Identify and deliver value‑creation opportunities beyond cost reduction.
• Support working capital and inventory optimisation initiatives.
• Drive supplier innovation and build robust procurement governance.

Required profile

• Commercially astute procurement professional with strategic and operational experience.
• Proven ability to work across supplier markets, finance, planning, NPD and commercial teams.
• Experience in volatile commodity and ingredient markets.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

• Strategic sourcing and category management.
• Supplier performance management.
• Contract negotiation and tendering.
• Market analysis and cost‑of‑ownership assessment.

What we offer

• Salary £45,000‑£50,000 per year.
• Benefits and career development opportunities.
• Continuous professional development (CIPS).