A brilliant opportunity has arisen to join the Supply Chain department at Natures Way Foods as a Buyer. The purpose of the role will be to manage and shape the Supply base to deliver the best value (prices, quality service and safety) for Natures Way Foods.

Your key responsibilities are as follows;

• Manage day to day contact with suppliers.
• Maintain and develop relationships with category growers/suppliers.
• Deliver strategy whilst identifying continuous improvements to process.
• Ensure the buying plan is executed effectively by the material planning team.
• Delivery of cost effective and successful supplier relationships for the business.
• Development and management of a strategic secure supply base for the business.

We are looking for someone who has;

• A high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Proactive approach.
• Ability to easily build relationships and trust.
• Possesses good commercial awareness.
• Proven ability to negotiate and influence and work well under pressure.
• You must also be prepared to travel abroad.

You will need to have the following skills and experience;

• Experience of working in the Fresh Produce/Manufacturing industry or other FMCG/short shelf life products.
• Experience in successfully managing a supply portfolio.
• Spanish as a first or second language would advantageous but not essential.
• CIPS advantageous but not essential.

Natures Way Foods (NWF) is one of the UK's leading fresh prepared food manufacturers. Focusing on excellence in quality, service, innovation and consumer understanding, NWF specialises in the supply of fresh, convenient food including prepared salads, prepared fruit, Food to Go salads, coleslaw and potato salad. NWF supplies to a number of major retail and food service companies including Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl, McDonalds, Pret A Manger, Greencore and Itsu.

Based in scenic West Sussex on the South coast, NWF has grown rapidly since its establishment in 1994, now operating from three well-invested factories and employing circa 950 full-time staff. The company has built its success through long term supplier and customer relationships, focusing on all parts of the supply chain to deliver the right offer for consumers. NWF places strong value on inspiring and motivating employees, and looks for creative, energetic and commercially-minded people whose commitment will be recognised, rewarded and celebrated. The company has a strong presence in the local community and their business achievements have been recognised by several industry accolades.

At Natures Way Foods, we are proud of how we do business. From providing excellent customer service to creating a diverse and exciting working atmosphere for our employees, the following values are core to how the business operates:

1. A brilliant place to work

2. Proud of how we do business

3. Better every day

4. Always delighting our customers

5. Innovate beyond the familiar