Senior Buyer - Food Services

Job Summary

The Food Services Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply management of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and operational supplies required by Food Central and Bakery. The role ensures uninterrupted supply, optimal cost, quality compliance, supplier performance, and inventory efficiency while supporting product innovation and business growth.

The incumbent will work closely with Food Central Operations, Bakery Production, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Finance, and Suppliers to ensure the timely availability of products that meet company standards and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Source and negotiate the purchase of food ingredients, bakery raw materials, packaging materials, and related supplies.
• Develop sourcing strategies to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and supply continuity.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that meet business, quality, food safety, and commercial requirements.
• Conduct regular market analysis and benchmarking of commodity prices and industry trends.
• Explore alternative suppliers and products to mitigate supply risks and improve margins.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews on quality, service, cost, and delivery metrics.
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve cost savings, rebates, payment terms, and other favorable business arrangements.
• Collaborate with QA and Food Services teams to conduct supplier audits and assessments.

Food Central & Bakery Support

• Partner with Food Central and Bakery teams to forecast ingredient and raw material requirements.
• Ensure timely sourcing and replenishment of key products including:
• Meat, poultry, seafood, and produce
• Dairy and frozen ingredients
• Flour, sugar, oils, and bakery ingredients
• Specialty food ingredients
• Packaging materials
• Cleaning and sanitation supplies
• Support new product development and menu innovation by sourcing new ingredients and suppliers.

Inventory & Demand Planning

• Monitor inventory levels, consumption trends, and forecast requirements.
• Ensure proper stock coverage while minimizing overstocking and wastage.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Warehouse teams to manage lead times and replenishment schedules.
• Develop contingency plans for supply shortages and disruptions.

Cost Management & Profitability

• Deliver annual cost savings initiatives and productivity improvements.
• Analyze commodity movements and recommend sourcing strategies to protect margins.
• Prepare procurement reports, spend analysis, supplier scorecards, and category reviews.
• Ensure compliance with procurement budgets and approved sourcing policies.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Food Technology, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years of procurement or buying experience, preferably within:
• Food manufacturing
• Commissary operations
• Bakery production
• Food service or restaurant chains
• FMCG food industry
• At least 2 years in a senior buyer or category buyer role.

Technical Competencies

• Strong supplier sourcing and negotiation capabilities.
• Knowledge of food ingredients, bakery raw materials, and food production processes.
• Understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and cost management skills.
• Experience using ERP, procurement, and inventory management systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen.
• Results-driven and highly organized.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.