CATEGORY SOURCING BUYER

STOKE ON TRENT

FULL TIME PERMANENT

COMBINATION OF HOME AND OFFICE WORKING

UP TO £43K DOE AND EXCELLENT BENEFITS 

THE ROLE 

• Working in partnership with the Category team to deliver the category P&L, ensuring that sourcing decisions directly support margin, cost, and growth targets
• Translate product specifications, volume forecasts, and price requirements into commercially viable sourcing strategies across domestic and international markets
• Drive year‑on‑year cost‑price reductions through proactive negotiation, supplier optimisation, and continuous cost‑improvement initiatives
• Provide regular performance reporting, analysing progress against KPIs and identifying corrective actions where targets are at risk
• Source products from the most competitive global suppliers, including overseas manufacturers
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure favourable commercial terms, negotiate cost reductions, mitigate risk and identify new opportunities
• Negotiate and manage all supplier agreements including contracts, SLA, NDAs
• Develop new supplier pipelines—both UK and international—to support innovation, own‑brand development, and long‑term category growth
• Attend relevant trade shows and supplier visits (some international travel)
• Manage end‑to‑end importing processes from any territory, ensuring compliance with customs, duty, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor supplier lead times, production schedules, and shipping timelines, expediting orders where necessary to maintain optimum stock levels

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in a senior procurement role
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• In depth knowledge and experience in direct/production procurement from different markets
• Previous buying experience in a relevant role
• Excellent communicator (written & verbal)
• Computer literate (Excel, Power Point, Word)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Commercially minded relationship builder
• Ability to travel in UK and oversees – holding full UK Driving License

HOW TO APPLY

For more information on the Category Sourcing Buyer role, please contact Rob Hulse at Intro Personnel on 01782 413307 or e-mail your current CV to [email protected]

Due to the expected high number of applicants for the Category Sourcing Buyer role, we regret that it may not be possible to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.