Job Description
Job Description – Meat Buyer
Location: Hybrid
Role Overview
We are recruiting a commercially focused Meat Buyer to drive procurement performance, maximise margins, and secure competitive supply agreements across meat and protein categories.
This role will focus on developing supplier relationships, identifying sourcing opportunities, negotiating profitable commercial agreements, and ensuring a consistent supply of quality products within a fast-paced and highly competitive market.
Key Responsibilities
Source and procure meat and protein products in line with business requirements and commercial objectives.
Negotiate pricing, contracts, rebates, and supply agreements to maximise profitability.
Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
Identify new sourcing opportunities and alternative supply routes to improve margin and security of supply.
Monitor market trends, commodity movements and competitor activity to inform purchasing decisions.
Analyse market data and pricing trends to identify opportunities and risks.
Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and commercial discussions.
Work closely with Sales and Operations teams to ensure supply aligns with customer demand and business forecasts.
Maintain appropriate stock levels while minimising waste and working capital exposure.
Ensure product availability and continuity of supply across all key categories.
Collaborate with Technical and Quality teams to ensure supplier compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
Support the development of strategic sourcing plans and long-term supplier partnerships.
Prepare purchasing reports, market updates and commercial performance reviews for senior management.
Participate in regular commercial meetings and contribute ideas to improve purchasing performance and profitability.
Undertake ad hoc projects as required to support business growth and procurement objectives.
Skills & Experience Required
Proven experience buying meat or protein products within food manufacturing, wholesale, retail, foodservice or FMCG environments.
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering margin improvement and commercial value.
Experience managing high-volume purchasing agreements and supplier contracts.
Excellent understanding of meat supply chains, commodity markets and pricing dynamics.
Experience working with both UK and international suppliers.
Strong commercial awareness with a clear understanding of margins, profitability and market conditions.
Ability to make informed decisions quickly within a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building abilities.
Self-motivated, results-driven and comfortable taking ownership of key commercial decisions.
Degree qualified or equivalent industry experience preferred.