The Purchasing & Supply Chain Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of products from suppliers, ensuring stock availability, maintaining optimal inventory levels, and supporting the efficient flow of goods from producers to customers. The role requires close collaboration with suppliers, logistics partners, warehouse operations, sales, and finance teams to ensure product availability while controlling costs and maintaining service levels.
Key ResponsibilitiesPurchasing & Supplier Management
- Manage the purchasing process from supplier order placement through to delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers across the UK and Europe.
- Source new suppliers and products in line with business requirements.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and commercial agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance and address any service or quality issues.
Demand Planning & Inventory Management
- Analyse sales trends and forecasts to determine purchasing requirements.
- Monitor inventory levels and maintain agreed stock targets.
- Prevent stock shortages while minimising excess and slow-moving inventory.
- Coordinate replenishment plans with suppliers and warehouse teams.
Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination
- Work closely with logistics providers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Track inbound shipments and proactively manage delays or disruptions.
- Coordinate with warehouse operations regarding receiving schedules and stock availability.
- Support import and customs documentation where required.
Cost Control & Reporting
- Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing and logistics costs.
- Monitor purchasing budgets and supplier pricing changes.
- Produce regular reports on stock levels, supplier performance, purchasing activity, and cost savings.
- Support margin analysis and product profitability reviews.
Administration & Compliance
- Raise and manage purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
- Maintain supplier records, contracts, and pricing agreements.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and food industry regulations.
- Work with finance to resolve invoice discrepancies and supplier account queries.
Required Skills & ExperienceExperience
- Minimum 2 years' experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management.
- Experience within food distribution, wholesale, retail, FMCG, or import/export environments is highly desirable.
- Experience working with ERP or inventory management systems.
Skills
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent Excel and data analysis capabilities.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Stock availability (%)
- Stock-out frequency
- Inventory turnover
- Supplier on-time delivery rate
- Purchase order accuracy
- Purchasing cost savings achieved
- Waste and obsolete stock reduction
- Forecast accuracy
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and results-oriented.
- Highly organised and detail-focused.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced food distribution environment.
- Strong relationship builder with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Park Royal, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Purchasing: 2 years (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
