Senior Buyer - Indirect Category

Valeo Foods Group; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer for the Indirect category. This hybrid role requires accountability for managing multiple suppliers across 8 production sites. You will negotiate terms, analyze market trends, and ensure competitive advantages, supported by a history of impactful procurement practices. Strong commercial acumen and supplier relationship management are essential. Attractive benefits include career advancement opportunities and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Excellent Career Opportunities

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

Qualifications

• Significant experience in managing indirect spend categories.
• 5+ years of experience within a Procurement Function.
• Proven ability to run and complete RFQ's and tenders.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate commercial terms and contractual arrangements.
• Analyse market forces and trends influencing the organisation.
• Support the Procurement Manager in evaluating category expenditure.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Supplier relationship management

Creative problem-solving

Job description

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity. But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Job Description

Senior Buyer - Indirect Category

Hybrid role with 3 days per week on site

Valeo Foods has a new role for an Indirect Senior Buyer to join our team, working hybrid with 3 days per week at any of our UK sites. Our Senior Buyer for the Indirect category will have accountability for a defined portfolio of spend and suppliers, including, amongst others, 8 production sites around the UK, with the potential to take on additional sites as the company expands. You will work closely with relevant stakeholders to deliver portfolio objectives including rationalisation through synergies, cost reduction and ensuring competitive advantage.

Influencing

• Facilitate projects such that objectives are achieved and provide competitive advantage.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contractual arrangements, to the betterment of the business and such that risks within the supply chain are highlighted or mitigated.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Help to improve internal processes.

External Environment

• Analyse the market forces and trends that influence the organisation and its suppliers.
• Use market data to estimate and negotiate prices for purchased categories.
• Consider external risks within supply chains and propose mitigation solutions.

Spend Management

• Support the Procurement Manager Indirects in evaluating category expenditure and the creation of category plans, using historical/forecasted data and applying appropriate portfolio tools.
• Use Supplier Relationship Management to ensure the supplier and the business have aligned objectives.
• Ensure that cost objectives are achieved within the remit set by the Category Manager.

Sourcing

• Work with internal stakeholders to bring new suppliers onboard, taking account of the differing requirements from around the business.
• Ensure stakeholders are engaged in the process such that any conflicts or challenges are overcome.

Delivering Outcomes

• Identify and deliver added value through the supply chain categories.
• Effectively manage supplier relationships to deliver improvement in supplier service.
• Facilitate change within the supply chain category, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged.

Measurements

• Monitor monthly KPI's for purchased categories and take appropriate internal or external actions to ensure delivery to the agreed standard.
• Monitor monthly variances for purchased categories and take appropriate actions to ensure delivery of the financial budgets.
• Encourage innovation in the supply chain and report on developments.

Qualifications

You will have significant experience in managing indirect spend categories and at least 5 years of experience within a Procurement Function, together with:

• In-depth experience in managing indirect spend categories.
• Knowledge of world-class category management and sourcing practices.
• Experienced in managing sourcing categories across multiple geographies.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Strong results-orientation and proven track record of consistent outstanding performance and results delivery.
• Capable of running and completing RFQ’s and tenders.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proactive and action-orientated; will get into the required level of operational details to deliver business needs and can make things happen regardless of obstacles.
• Structured yet flexible.
• Creative and continuously looking for stretching value-adding opportunities.
• Experienced in enabling innovation with suppliers.
• Proven ability to build strong supplier relationships to achieve business goals.

Additional Information

What we offer you in return

• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!

Are you ready to take the next step in your career with Valeo Foods UK? Let’s chat.