Senior Category Buyer - Confectionery

Hybrid/ Remote with travel

 

Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three distinguished entities – Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network. 

 

The Senior Category Buyer plays a pivotal role in the exciting and dynamic world of confectionery Procurement for Zertus UK & Ireland, responsible for the management, strategy, and future development of a world-class approach. This is a full-time, permanent role, where you will source confectionery raw materials for all companies within the Zertus UK & Ireland group, and manage a Procurement Analyst and Administrator. This role could take you far and wide, visiting suppliers across the globe!

• Be responsible for strategically managing raw materials in your area
• Use your expertise in the category and supply chain to support stakeholder relationships and drive business development
• Create and implement supplier procurement plans to meet future business needs, including service level agreements, purchase mechanisms, and supplier selection & approval
• Work with the commercial department to present to customers and contribute to category development meetings
• Support and cover for the Head of Raw Material Sourcing
• Manage the strategic sourcing lifecycle, including supplier selection, negotiation, contract drafting, and post-contract award supplier relationship management
• Ensure that the Supply Base aligns with the ethical, environmental, and regulatory policies of the business
• Develop and implement cost reduction projects across the group businesses to improve efficiency and maximize value
• Develop contingency plans for key raw materials in your area
• Provide accurate and timely information to Commercial teams and the wider business on price-related changes in forecasts
• Regularly conduct comprehensive Supplier Reviews in your areas of responsibility
• Prepare monthly reports on PPV and cost savings, and take corrective action when necessary

• Substantial Buying experience within Food/ FMCG or similar
• Supplier negotiation experience
• Strong commercial acumen combined with strong analytical skills
• Proven ability to work independently, influence others, and collaborate effectively with senior colleagues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration and relationship-building
• Negotiation skills
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, CIPS qualification or equivalent
• Category-led Procurement experience
• Material and process knowledge for key Ingredients & Materials
• Proven track record of managing and delivering cost-saving projects

You will have a telephone call with our Talent Acquisition Manager to assess your application, followed by a two stage process comprised of a Teams interview and a visit to one of our manufacturing sites.