Junior Buyer / Procurement Officer

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive procurement professional based in the UK to join a rapidly expanding international FMCG company's UK subsidiary. This junior buyer/procurement officer position offers the opportunity to establish and shape the supply chain function from its inception.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete purchasing workflow for product orders placed with the overseas manufacturing entity, aligning with global supply agreements, headquarters' allocation guidelines, and supply chain plans.
• Guarantee timely, accurate placement of orders within established commercial and operational boundaries.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks to avoid failures in order fulfillment or delivery.
• Oversee the procurement cycle from order creation to receipt, maintaining real-time, precise SAP records.
• Issue purchase orders, validate order specifics, and ensure submission of complete and accurate documentation.
• Maintain a transparent and traceable procurement audit trail.
• Serve as an independent liaison for internal departments including sales, logistics, and finance, providing clear updates and resolving procurement issues to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with the sales team regularly to optimize ordering around commercial priorities.
• Coordinate with logistics to manage import clearance and track inbound shipments.
• Assist in establishing and formalizing supply chain management procedures within the UK branch, aligned with the global framework.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to reduce risks and enhance operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain Lead in the Netherlands to scale procurement functions with business growth.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Between 1 and 2 years of direct experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain coordination within the FMCG sector.
• Functional knowledge of SAP for managing orders and documentation.
• Availability and willingness to work five days a week fully onsite at the Wimbledon office.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent accuracy in data entry and a strong focus on detail for handling order records.
• Ability to work autonomously within a lean team environment where processes are under development.
• Effective communicator capable of independently coordinating across sales, finance, and logistics teams.
• Previous exposure to intercompany or international supply chain operations such as import clearances and direct manufacturer imports is advantageous.
• Experience within an overseas subsidiary reporting to a foreign headquarters is a notable plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from GBP 33,000 to GBP 41,000 gross, commensurate with experience.
• 25 days paid annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Pension scheme featuring 5% employer contribution, with a minimum 3% employee contribution.
• Monthly wellbeing allowance of GBP 50 to be used towards fitness, sports, or yoga activities.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Company-provided phone and laptop.
• Permanent employment contract following a 3-month probationary period.
• Position based fully at the Wimbledon office with core hours starting between 08:00 and 08:30 until approximately 17:30.
• A newly created role offering direct exposure to senior leadership and the chance to influence the evolution of the procurement function.
• Opportunities for professional growth as the organization and team expand.
• A multicultural, collaborative work environment between the UK and the Netherlands.

Additional Information

Applicants must currently reside within the United Kingdom and not require visa sponsorship at present or in the future.