Company Overview
Reach Food Group is a global leader in premium foodservice logistics, committed to supporting innovative chefs and delivering ethically sourced, traceable seafood. Our values center around sustainability, diversity, and excellence in supply chain management.
Summary
Are you an experienced fish or seafood buyer who knows the market, can negotiate confidently with suppliers, and has experience leading a small team?
We are looking for a Senior Fresh Fish Buyer to take ownership of day-to-day fresh fish and seafood buying for a £30m+ turnover business, managing approximately £10m annual purchasing volume. You will report directly to the Commercial Director and manage 2 direct reports within the buying team.
This is a hands-on commercial buying role where your supplier relationships, fish knowledge and buying judgement will directly influence quality, availability, cost control, margin, waste and customer service.
The Role
You will monitor market movement, manage supply risks, negotiate pricing, control stock availability, and support strong buying discipline across the category.
Early starts will be required depending on market, supplier and operational needs of a fast-paced production room.
Responsibilities
- Source and purchase fresh fish and seafood products from reliable suppliers.
- Negotiate contracts and prices to secure the best terms.
- Build and manage supplier relationships across seafood suppliers, wholesalers, processors, importers, markets and other supply routes.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, challenge cost increases and manage supplier performance.
- Stay close to market movement, seasonal availability, supply shortages and product substitutions.
- Work with operations, sales and production teams to maintain availability while controlling stock and waste.
- Work with technical and quality teams on traceability, labelling, specifications and responsible sourcing.
- Use the in-house ERP system to maintain accurate supplier, pricing, stock and performance data.
Qualifications
- Previous experience buying fish or seafood and have a good network within the industry.
- Previous team management experience.
- Strong knowledge of fresh fish and seafood products.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial buying decisions.
- Good understanding of pricing, margin, stock, availability and waste.
- Confidence managing buying spend with strong cost and margin control.
- Ability to work in a fast-moving fresh-food environment.
- Strong communication skills with suppliers and internal teams.
- Ability to report clearly to senior management.
Pay: From £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Experience:
- Fresh Fish Buying: 5 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
