Job Description
Senior Category Buyer – Meat\n\nLocation: Northwest London\nSalary: (DOE) c£50k - £55k\n\nAn 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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nProfessionals 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.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nThe successful candidate will be accountable for the full procurement cycle of the meat category, driving improvements across processes, relationships, and results.\n\nMain responsibilities include:\n\n * Leading and developing the meat product category, including range reviews, cost negotiations, and supplier performance.\n\n * Managing and mentoring a team of buyers to ensure best practices in ordering and supplier coordination.\n\n * Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, including onboarding, KPI development, and regular reviews.\n\n * Coordinating inbound logistics with third-party providers and liaising with internal departments such as warehousing and sales.\n\n * Overseeing product data, pricing accuracy, and landed cost calculations within the ERP system.\n\n * Monitoring stock levels to meet availability and net working capital targets.\n\n * Authorising supplier invoices and supporting the finance function with accurate pricing data.\n\n * Driving process improvements and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality or service.\n\n * Deputising for the Purchasing Manager when required, maintaining department performance and standards.\n\nYour Skills & Experience\n\nThe ideal candidate will be a proactive and commercially astute professional with a genuine passion for quality meat products and a strong background in procurement\n\nRequirements:\n\n * Extensive experience in a purchasing role within food or FMCG; previous category ownership of meat or protein products is essential.\n\n * Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.\n\n * Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a small team.\n\n * Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.\n\n * Confident working with ERP systems and proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.\n\n * A “can-do” attitude with strong problem-solving capabilities and a keen eye for detail.\n\n * A genuine interest in premium food products and high standards of service.\n\nThis 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