Fresh Produce Buyer

Fresh Produce Buyer We need an energetic and talented procurement professional to join one of the UK’s leading (National) suppliers to the Catering, Food Service and Hospitality sector as a Fresh Produce Buyer. The company is well established and respected as a market leader in this sector with a track record of design and innovation. The Fresh Produce Buyer is to have ownership of the full product life cycle within fresh produce categories and looking to achieve a range and financial targets while aligning to the business needs and customer demand. Liaise with all stakeholders to ensure your strategy fits with Channel and Consumer insight. * Manage Suppliers and Customers: >Develop and build relationships with suppliers and customers to ensure effective communication and collaboration. >Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to optimize value and profitability. >Ensure smooth operation of product supply chain * Product Management: >Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth and profitability. >Analyse market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities for product assortment optimization. >Monitor category performance and make recommendations for assortment changes and promotional activities. >Price management, Range Reviews, Competitor Analysis, Market updates, Commodity Tracking and reporting. * Source New Product Lines: >Research and identify new product opportunities to enhance the product portfolio. >Source new suppliers and products that align with market trends and customer preferences. >Evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability to ensure alignment with company standards. * Own the Category: >Take ownership of your specific product categories and drive initiatives to maximize sales and profitability. >Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences within the category. >Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute category plans and achieve business objectives. * Product Life Cycle Management: >Manage the entire product life cycle. >Monitor product performance and make recommendations for improvements or de-listing. >Develop strategies for product launches, promotions, and end-of-life management. * Attend Trade Shows and Other Industry Events: >Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to network with suppliers and customers. >Stay informed about industry trends, innovations, and best practices. >Identify opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and business development. * Food Safety: >Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards. >Work closely with suppliers to maintain quality and safety standards throughout the supply chain. >Implement food safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure product integrity. * Legal Regulation Requirements: Stay up to date with relevant legal regulations and compliance requirements. >Ensure that all products and operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations. >Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address any regulatory issues or concerns. Key attributes / Experience: >Highly self-motivated to achieve agreed goals, able to work efficiently and independently within time constraints. > An organised and methodical approach to work and prioritisation that ensures the achievement of deadlines. > A good understanding of key metrics that impact the commercial revenues. > Experience managing relationships across the product supply chain. > Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience working with both internal and external stakeholders of all levels. > Experienced and confident at delivering presentations. > Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills. > Excellent numeracy and literacy skills > Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel. > Fresh Produce knowledge (Buying) ideally gained from within a major produce importer, packer or distributer. > Experience collating, tracking, managing, and reporting on personal revenue targets accurately. > Experience working as part of a team within an office environment. > Experience sourcing new products from both an existing supplier base and new suppliers. > A strong understanding of Foodservice, Catering and the Hospitality market. > Excellent networking skills > Experience co-ordinating, contributing to and adding value to company, industry and supplier events including exhibitions, insights and networking. > Willingness to Travel and the flexibility to accommodate planned overnight stays for attendance at events, supplier visits etc. Desirable Experience: > Minimum 5 Years experience working within Fresh Produce, Foodservice, Wholesale or other commercially related industry. > Degree preferred >CIPS preferred > Experience managing a supplier or customer portfolio. > A good understanding of traditional and digital marketing. > A good understanding of the sales process and customer management processes for large, complex or national accounts. Benefits: * Excellent salary (DOE) * Stakeholder Pension * Yearly Pay reviews * Retail Discount Membership * Health Care Cash Plan Membership * In-service Life Assurance * Usual Company benefits (details on request) How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a note detailing your experience in a Buying or Sourcing role in FMCG, Fresh Produce, business development achievements, and how your skills align with the role. Send a CV to (email address removed) or call + (phone number removed)