Overview:
Category Buyer
Zertus UK & Ireland/ Lir Chocolates
Based at Lir Chocolates , Navan, Co. Meath
Position type: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Key Benefits: Hybrid working & bonus plan
Are you looking to grow your expertise in procurement and build a rewarding career in buying? We’re looking for a Category Buyer to join our team and oversee the buying of key ingredients within our confectionery category for Lir Chocolates, playing a key role in supporting our innovation and sustainability goals! We’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset to manage supplier relationships, drive cost savings, and ensure our confectionery meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead negotiations, and support our commitment to environmental goals. If you’re ready to grow your expertise in procurement and make an impact in the food industry, we want to hear from you!
Closing date: Friday 12th June 2026
Responsibilities:
- Oversee designated procurement categories, ensuring best‑practice buying, strong commercial value, and delivery of KPI targets.
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Develop and implement category strategies through supplier, market, and supply‑chain analysis.
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Manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, alignment to ethical and regulatory standards, and ongoing improvement activities.
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Drive strategic projects, category innovation, and cost‑reduction initiatives in collaboration with key stakeholders (Supply Chain, Technical, NPD, Operations, Finance).
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Maintain accurate pricing, supplier data (QAD), and financial records, while establishing contingency plans for key materials.
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Negotiate contracts, tenders, and renewals using effective procurement techniques.
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Manage inventory and surplus stock, resolve PPV variances and invoice queries, and support product quality by assisting with non‑conformities.
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Provide insights on market and pricing trends, and travel to suppliers, sites, and industry events (approx. 4–5 times per year).
Qualifications:
- Experience in category-led procurement within food manufacturing, with a proven track record in supplier negotiation and cost-saving initiatives.
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Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and knowledge of materials and processes for materials.
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Competent with MRP/stock systems and IT, including MS Office.
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Ability to work independently, influence senior colleagues, and communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal skills.
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Degree-level education and CIPS qualification or equivalent (Desirable but not essential - future training and development can be available via Zertus)
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Willingness to travel as needed to sites, suppliers, and other location across the UK - valid passport required.
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Competency in core procurement skills, including negotiation.
Rewards Benefits:
- Annual bonus plan with earning potential of up 10% of salary
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Holiday entitlement of 25 days + bank holidays
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Lir chocolates employee pension plan at 1.5%
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Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
- Hybrid working
About Us:
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies – Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser!
As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network.
Our manufacturing Locations: Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, Navan (Ireland).
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a two stage interview process.
Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
