Senior Buyer - Indirect Category

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.

But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Job Description

Senior Buyer - Indirect Category

York or Norwich Base - Hybrid role with 3 days per week on site

Valeo Foods have a new role for an Indirect Senior Buyer to join our team, working Hybrid with 3 days per week on site in either York or Norwich.

Our Senior Buyer for the Indirect category will have accountability for a defined portfolio of spend and suppliers, including, amongst others, 8 production sites around the UK, with the potential to take on additional sites as the company expands further.   You will work closely with relevant stakeholders to deliver portfolio objectives including rationalisation through synergies, cost reduction and ensuring competitive advantage.  

Key Accountabilities Include:

Influencing:

• Facilitate projects such that objectives are achieved and provide competitive advantage.
• Negotiation of commercial terms and contractual arrangements, to the betterment of the business and such that risks within the supply chain are highlighted or mitigated.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

External Environment:

• Analyse the market forces and trends that influence the organisation and its suppliers.
• Use market data to estimate and negotiate prices for purchased categories.
• Consider external risks within supply chains and propose mitigation solutions.

Spend Management:

• Support the Procurement Manager - Indirects  in evaluating category expenditure and the creation of category plans. Making use of historical / forecasted data and applying appropriate portfolio tools.
• Use Supplier Relationship Management to ensure the supplier and the business have aligned objectives.
• Ensure that cost objectives are achieved within the remit set by the Category Manager.

Sourcing:

• Work with internal stakeholders to bring new suppliers onboard, taking account of the differing requirements from around the business.
• Ensure stakeholders are engaged in the process such that any conflicts or challenges are overcome.

Delivering Outcomes:

• Identify and deliver added value through the supply chain categories.
• Effectively manage supplier relationships to deliver improvement in supplier service.
• Facilitate change within the supply chain category, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged.

Measurements:

• Monitor monthly KPI's for purchased categories and take appropriate internal or external actions to ensure delivery to the agreed standard.
• Monitor monthly variances for purchased categories and take appropriate actions to ensure delivery of the financial budgets.
• Encourage innovation in the supply chain and report on developments.

Qualifications

You will have a significant experience in sourcing Packaging and at least 5 years of experience within a Procurement Function, together with:

• Graduate qualification preferred.
• In-depth experience in strategic sourcing for an array of packaging sub-categories, including film, corrugate, and paper.
• Knowledge of world-class category management and sourcing practices.
• Experienced in managing sourcing categories across multiple geographies.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Strong results-orientation and proven track record of consistent outstanding performance and results delivery.   
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proactive and action-orientated.  Will get into the required level of operational details to deliver business needs.  Can make things happen regardless of obstacles.
• Structured yet flexible.
• Creative and continuously looking for stretching value-adding opportunities.
• Experienced in enabling innovation with suppliers.
• Proven ability to build strong supplier relationships to achieve business goals.

Additional Information

What we offer you in return:

• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount 
• And plenty more!

Are you ready to take the next step in your career with Valeo Foods UK? Let’s chat.