Senior Category Buyer - Meat

Location: Northwest London
Salary: (DOE) c£50k - £55k

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Category Buyer - Meat to join a leading importer and distributor of fine food products, known for supplying the UK's most prestigious restaurants, hotels, and high-end retailers.

This role will take ownership of the meat category, managing supplier relationships, leading a small team, and ensuring best-in-class sourcing, stock control, and commercial performance within the business's purchasing and supply chain function.

Professionals with a strong background in meat procurement, supplier negotiation, and team leadership are encouraged to apply. This role offers a fantastic platform for those looking to make a significant impact in a high-performance, premium food environment.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be accountable for the full procurement cycle of the meat category, driving improvements across processes, relationships, and results.

Main responsibilities include:

* Leading and developing the meat product category, including range reviews, cost negotiations, and supplier performance.

* Managing and mentoring a team of buyers to ensure best practices in ordering and supplier coordination.

* Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, including onboarding, KPI development, and regular reviews.

* Coordinating inbound logistics with third-party providers and liaising with internal departments such as warehousing and sales.

* Overseeing product data, pricing accuracy, and landed cost calculations within the ERP system.

* Monitoring stock levels to meet availability and net working capital targets.

* Authorising supplier invoices and supporting the finance function with accurate pricing data.

* Driving process improvements and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality or service.

* Deputising for the Purchasing Manager when required, maintaining department performance and standards.

Your Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and commercially astute professional with a genuine passion for quality meat products and a strong background in procurement

Requirements:

* Extensive experience in a purchasing role within food or FMCG; previous category ownership of meat or protein products is essential.

* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

* Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a small team.

* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.

* Confident working with ERP systems and proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.

* A “can-do” attitude with strong problem-solving capabilities and a keen eye for detail.

* A genuine interest in premium food products and high standards of service.

This is a chance to work at the heart of the UK's fine food industry, managing a flagship category for a respected distributor, with exposure to premium suppliers and elite clients across the hospitality sector