Procurement Specialist / Buyer

Procurement Specialist / Buyer (UK) - Sydenham ( SE london )

We're proud to partner with some of the most recognisable and innovative companies globally. As we expand our footprint in the UK, we're looking for a passionate and experienced Procurement Specialist / Buyer to join our team.

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially savvy Procurement Specialist / Buyer to lead product sourcing and supplier management in the UK. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring that our product range remains exciting, high-quality, and aligned with Blue Tiger's values-local, ethical, and sustainable-while also driving profitability and cost efficiency.

You will be responsible for discovering and onboarding new suppliers, negotiating competitive pricing, maintaining strong relationships, and curating a product portfolio that reflects both client preferences and market trends.

We're particularly interested in candidates who understand the corporate catering, contract foodservice, or workplace hospitality markets, and who can leverage connections or insight into businesses such as Compass Group, ISS, BaxterStorey, Gather & Gather, or similar operators and wholesalers who know the UK foodservice landscape.

Key Responsibilities

🔍 Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new UK-based food and beverage suppliers and wholesalers that meet Blue Tiger's quality, sustainability, and ethical standards.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers across the workplace catering and hospitality ecosystem, including those serving corporate clients (e.g. Compass, ISS, BaxterStorey, Gather & Gather).
• Maintain supplier contracts to ensure consistent service and product availability.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and performance evaluations.
• Seek opportunities to partner with local producers, niche brands, and ethical wholesalers who can deliver unique offerings aligned with Blue Tiger's values.

💰 Pricing & Cost Control

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to maximise value without compromising quality.
• Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to protect margins and support accurate forecasting.
• Collaborate with finance and management to forecast future costs and profit margins with precision.

🌟 Product Development & Innovation

• Work cross-functionally with sales and operations to identify gaps and opportunities in the product range.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging brands, and changing workplace food expectations.
• Lead the rollout of new products that reflect evolving customer needs and deliver added value.
• Manage rotating product programs tailored to specific clients-enhancing customer engagement and driving profitability through strategic variety and exclusivity.

⚙️ Operational Efficiency

• Partner with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure seamless onboarding and integration of new SKUs.
• Support demand planning and inventory forecasting to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date product data across systems.

Candidate Profile

✅ Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in procurement, buying, or sourcing-ideally within the catering, hospitality, or food & beverage sector.
• Understanding of the corporate catering or workplace foodservice market, with awareness of key players (e.g. Compass, ISS, BaxterStorey, Gather & Gather) or experience collaborating with wholesalers who supply these sectors.
• Track record of successful supplier negotiations and cost savings.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset.
• Passion for high-quality, sustainable food and beverage products.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, or similar tools-able to clearly present pricing structures, cost comparisons, and profit analysis.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to help shape a fast-growing, values-driven company in the UK.
• A creative and collaborative culture that values innovation and quality.
• Exposure to exciting and emerging food and beverage brands.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.