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