Buyer

Buyer
£40,000 - £50,000 + Benefits
Wigan - Hybrid
Days Only (Mon-Fri)
gap technical are proud to be representing this manufacturing business in their search for a Buyer to work at their facility based near Wigan
Performance Objectives

• Develop and execute category strategies for key spend areas (packaging, logistics, engineering spares and services). Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to secure advantageous agreements for the organization.
• Deliver year?on?year savings, value improvements and cost transparency (PPV, TCO), while safeguarding service, quality and sustainability.
• Manage inventory levels by analysing sales data and coordinating with logistics to ensure optimal stock without overstocking.
• Own supplier selection, onboarding and SRM: run RFx events, negotiate contracts/SLAs, and manage performance (OTIF, quality, service, risk). Cultivating and maintaining relationships with existing suppliers while actively seeking out and vetting new potential vendors.
• Collaborate with internal departments, such as marketing and sales, to ensure that product selection aligns with promotional strategies and sales goals.
• Partner with Operations and Planning to ensure material availability and the right inventory levels; minimise write?offs and obsolescence.
• Support NPD and Commercial on launches, trials and value?engineering; secure specifications, MOQ/lead?time agreements and first?article approvals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and ethical standards (e.g., BRCGS/retailer codes, HACCP/traceability, allergens, RSPO/UTZ/organic if applicable).
• Monitor markets and cost drivers (commodities, FX, logistics); recommend hedging or forward cover where appropriate.
• Lead supplier risk management and continuity planning: dual sourcing, capacity checks, contingency stock and incident response.
• Use data to drive decisions: material costed BOMs, KPI dashboards and monthly reporting to SLT.
• Continuously improve P2P process with Finance (PO compliance, invoice matching, vendor master governance).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost improvement vs budget (PPV/TCO savings).
• Supplier OTIF and quality right?first?time (RFT) / non?conformance rates.
• Material availability to plan; production downtime due to supply.
• Inventory health: stock turns, days cover, write?offs/obsolescence.
• Contract coverage and compliance (critical categories 100%).
• Sustainability/ethical compliance (e.g., audit scores, declarations on file).

Person Specification

• Proven procurement experience in food manufacturing or FMCG (ingredients and/or packaging).
• Strong negotiation and SRM skills; confident in running tenders and closing contracts.
• Good understanding of food safety, quality and technical standards (e.g. BRCGS, HACCP, allergen controls, traceability).
• Commercially savvy with costed BOMs, should?cost and TCO thinking; strong Excel and ERP/MRP skills.
• CIPS qualified or working toward is preferred, degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management; able to influence cross?functionally and present to the SLT.

Apply
Please send your CV via the Apply now option on the website
If you have any questions or are interested in any other opportunities we may have, please do not hesitate to get in touch
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of gap technical who are operating as an employment agency.
gap technical are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job.
Closing Date: 20/12/2025
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