Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Buyer
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Buyer
Location: Newtownards (Site-Based)
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a fast-paced food manufacturing business. This role is responsible for the effective procurement of fresh raw materials, ensuring products are sourced to the required standards of quality, quantity, and cost while maintaining continuity of supply.
Working closely with Production, Technical, Quality, and Product Development teams, you will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor market trends, and help ensure the smooth flow of materials into the manufacturing operation.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their procurement career within a growing FMCG environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Procure fresh raw materials to meet production requirements.
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation and traceability.
- Liaise with suppliers to coordinate deliveries and resolve supply issues.
- Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Monitor raw material pricing and maintain accurate purchasing records.
- Support quality and goods-in teams by ensuring products arrive to specification.
- Work with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, organize credits, and manage supplier performance.
- Ensure continuity of supply through effective supplier management and contingency planning.
- Source new ingredients and raw materials to support product development and operational requirements.
- Support customs clearance activities for imported goods where required.
- Maintain supplier databases, purchasing information, and procurement systems.
- Monitor stock levels and help ensure appropriate stock rotation.
- Keep up to date with market trends, seasonal availability, and commodity pricing.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and drive operational efficiencies.
- Build strong working relationships across Production, Technical, Quality, and NPD teams.
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About You
You'll be a proactive and organized procurement professional who enjoys working in a fast-moving manufacturing environment. You will be commercially aware, confident negotiating with suppliers, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a procurement, purchasing, or buying role.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Strong attention to detail with accurate record keeping.
- Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and business systems.
- Experience working within a regulated or manufacturing environment.
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Desirable
- Food manufacturing or FMCG experience.
- Experience purchasing fresh produce, ingredients, or raw materials.
- Knowledge of procurement or ERP systems.
- Experience with customs clearance or imported goods.
- Understanding of stock management and supply planning.
- CIPS qualification or a willingness to work towards one.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer.
- A varied and commercially focused procurement role.
- Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Exposure to supplier management, commercial negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
If you're an organized Buyer or Procurement professional looking for your next challenge within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.
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