Buyer

Buyer

Location: Needham Market, Suffolk
Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Pattern: Office-based

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Buyer to join a well-established and growing wholesale food business based in Needham Market. This is a key role within the procurement team, responsible for sourcing products, managing supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring stock availability to support operational and customer requirements.

The successful candidate will be commercially minded, highly organised, and confident working within a fast-paced wholesale environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure products in line with business requirements and budget targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, terms, and service agreements.
• Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and industry developments to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Manage stock levels effectively, ensuring product availability whilst minimising excess inventory.
• Analyse purchasing data, supplier performance, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Work closely with internal departments including sales, operations, logistics, and finance.
• Assist with supplier reviews, contract management, and performance reporting.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and industry standards.
• Support the development and implementation of purchasing strategies to drive business growth.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in a Buyer, Purchasing, Procurement, or Supply Chain role.
• Experience within a wholesale environment.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy office-based environment.

Desirable

• Level 4 CIPS qualification.
• Currently studying towards CIPS or committed to working towards a professional procurement qualification.
• Experience within the food, FMCG, or distribution sectors.
• Knowledge of inventory management and demand planning principles.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £30,000 - £40,000 depending on experience.
• Opportunity to join a growing and successful business.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Support towards further procurement qualifications where appropriate.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.

If you have a background in procurement and wholesale purchasing, and are looking to take the next step in your career with an established business, we would love to hear from you.