Job Title: Senior Buyer

Report to: Managing Director

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location: Kent

Salary: C. £50,000

Role Summary

The Senior Buyer will lead procurement strategy, supplier negotiations, and category performance management within a fast-paced food and FMCG environment. The role is responsible for ensuring a commercially competitive and profitable product offering while maintaining strong supplier relationships and high standards of quality and service.

This position combines strategic sourcing, market analysis, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration to support business growth across retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with commercial objectives and customer requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, reliable supply, and long-term partnerships.
• Monitor market conditions, commodity trends, currency fluctuations, and cost drivers to manage margins and minimise commercial risk.
• Identify opportunities for product range expansion and improvement based on customer demand, market trends, and commercial performance.
• Work closely with technical and compliance teams to ensure products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to optimise stock levels, minimise waste, and maintain continuity of supply.
• Support sales, marketing, and finance teams with tenders, promotions, forecasting, and new product launches.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews using agreed KPIs and service level expectations.
• Produce regular internal and external supplier performance reports.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain functions.

About You

• Previous experience in a senior buying or procurement role within FMCG, food, chilled products, or a related sector.
• Strong negotiation, commercial awareness, and supplier management skills.
• Experience working with international suppliers and import processes.
• The ability to interpret market data, commodity trends, and pricing impacts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• A passion for food and product development would be advantageous.

If you are interested in this role, please contact jack.thomson@drnewitt.com or call 0131 226 5060