About the Role
We are looking for a commercially minded and highly organised Buyer to join our Purchasing team in a fast-paced wholesale environment.
This is a hands-on role responsible for supplier management, product sourcing, pricing and stock control. You will negotiate commercial agreements, support customer and sales enquiries, maintain accurate product and pricing information, and help ensure continuity of supply across the business.
Working closely with suppliers and internal teams, you will identify opportunities, resolve issues, support new product launches, and contribute to the overall success of the Purchasing function.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and supplier support to deliver best value for the business.
- Manage supplier price increases, product changes, range updates and availability issues.
- Secure supplier support for new product launches, stock risks and excess stock where appropriate.
- Raise and manage purchase orders in line with business requirements.
- Monitor outstanding orders, chasing suppliers for confirmations, deliveries and resolving supply issues.
- Maintain accurate pricing, product and supplier information across internal systems.
- Update supplier price files and support pricing changes across the range, including grey market products where required.
- Manage supplier documentation, including specifications and accreditations.
- Review pallet information and resolve discrepancies with warehouse teams.
- Communicate stock issues and supply concerns to relevant stakeholders.
- Keep clear records of supply issues, supplier actions and stock updates.
- Work closely with Customer Services, Sales, Warehouse, Finance and Technical teams to resolve issues and support business requirements.
- Provide general administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the Purchasing function.
About You
We are looking for someone who is commercially aware, proactive and comfortable working at pace. You will be a confident communicator who can build strong supplier relationships, manage competing priorities and maintain excellent attention to detail in a busy environment.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Junior Buyer, Purchasing or Supply Chain role.
- Experience managing suppliers, orders, pricing and stock-related issues.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Commercial awareness with the confidence to identify opportunities and challenge costs.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and business systems.
- Proactive, hands-on approach with a willingness to support the wider team.
About us
DDC Foods Ltd was founded in 1996, for the purpose of offering an alternative range of snacks and soft drinks to the consumer, compared to the mainstream readily available brands. The point of difference would be that the products were truly innovative, healthier as well as new and exciting. The company would embrace new ideas and concepts from entrepreneurs who share the same vision and aspirations by creating brands that change the way we snack and drink. In 2016, we introduced chilled and frozen products to our range.
Over the years, we have been instrumental in supporting such ideas and helping businesses showcase and distribute their products. This has been our company’s ethos and true to our vision we have not diversified from this.
We are a national distribution company servicing over 97% of our customers with our own fleet of vehicles.
As well as ISO accreditations, the company enjoys a diverse customer base ranging from very high-profile accounts within the food service industry to independent and multiple retailers, wholesalers as well as exporting globally.
DDC Foods is an equal opportunities employer and encourages all applications to apply regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
