Mizkan Euro Ltd

Category Buyer - Raw Materials

Mizkan Euro Ltd  •  £50k - £52k/yr  •  London, GB (Onsite)  •  29 days ago
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Job Description

Procurement Category Buyer - Raw Materials

What does it feel like to really own a category?
Not just manage suppliers.
Not just place orders.

But shape sourcing strategy, influence stakeholders, protect supply and see your decisions land on shelves and plates across the UK.

At Mizkan Euro, that’s exactly what this role is about.

We’re looking for a Category Buyer (Raw Materials) who wants accountability, visibility and the space to think strategically while still being hands on.

Why this role exists
Our procurement team plays a critical role in protecting the business, from cost volatility, supply risk and quality challenges, while enabling growth across our brands.

You’ll take ownership of 3-4 raw material categories, developing short and long term sourcing strategies, building trusted supplier relationships, and working closely with Technical, NPD, Operations and Finance to keep the business moving.

This is a true buying role, not supply chain, not retail purchasing.

What you’ll be doing?
You’ll be trusted to:
• Develop and execute robust category sourcing strategies
• Own budgets, forecasts, and cost drivers across your categories
• Build strong, transparent relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Manage risk and continuity of supply in a complex FMCG environment
• Lead should cost modelling, specification analysis, and value engineering
• Influence decisions at all levels and take ownership end to end

Roughly 50% strategic, 50% hands on, with the freedom to take initiative and shape how things are done.

Who we’re looking for
You’ll likely be someone who:
• Has 3–5 years’ procurement / buying experience within FMCG food manufacturing (chemicals/pharma also considered)
• Holds (or is completing) CIPS Level 4
• Has real buying fundamentals, sourcing, negotiation, supplier management
• Brings confidence, curiosity, and strong stakeholder presence
• Enjoys owning problems, not waiting to be told what to do

Experience with ingredients, colours, flavours, fruit or vegetables is a bonus, but not essential.
What matters most is how you think, influence, and take ownership.

Why Mizkan?
Mizkan blends Japanese heritage with a modern, open, and people led culture.
In Procurement, you’ll find:
• A collaborative, transparent team that values ideas
• Strong cross functional relationships
• The space to influence and be listened to
• A supportive environment where you can grow without ego

We work hard, support each other, meet often and enjoy doing it together.
Mizkan Euro Ltd

About Mizkan Euro Ltd

Mizkan Euro Ltd, is the European subsidiary of Mizkan Group, a family-owned, Japanese business started in 1804, which is the number one sushi seasoning supplier in the world. Headed by Kazuhide Nakano, Mizkan Group is a global business with over 3,700 employees world-wide and nearly 220 years’ experience in producing high quality food products.

The symbol and slogan of the Mizkan Group is inspired by the global company slogan of “bringing flavour to life”. The symbol, based on the Matazaemon Nakano family crest, shows three bars representing flavour, tang and aroma, while the circle represents the perfect balance of these characteristics in each of the condiments. The Mizkan name and corporate logo reflect the proud heritage and tradition borne out of nearly 220 years of ownership and market leadership of the categories in which it competes.

The Company operates under Two Principles – ‘Offer the Customers Only the Finest Products’ and ‘Continuously Challenge the Status Quo’. These principles allow Mizkan Group to improve quality and lead continuous innovation whilst pursuing consistent business growth based on ‘Customer comes first’ motto.

With headquarters in West London and manufacturing sites in Middleton, Greater Manchester and Bury St Edmunds, Mizkan Euro Ltd, with its turnover of c.£100m and over 400 employees, is still relatively new to the UK market but pushing towards bigger and bolder horizons whilst staying true to its Mizkan style management and governance which are core to its values and culture.

The Company has continued its worldwide trend in producing high quality food products by adding a number of iconic brands, namely Sarson’s vinegar (2012), Haywards Pickled Vegetables (2012) and Branston pickles, relishes and chutneys (2013). These brands form a portfolio, alongside a number of market leading Japanese sushi seasonings and more recently, OSU, apple cider drinking vinegar (2020).

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
, GB
Year Founded
Unknown
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