Protein Buyer – County Kildare

Protein Buyer – County Kildare

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Protein Buyer to join their Supply Chain team. This is a key position responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of protein products, ensuring supply continuity, competitive pricing, and product quality while supporting business growth and customer requirements.

The successful candidate will combine strong market knowledge with excellent analytical and stakeholder management skills. This role offers the opportunity to influence purchasing strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial decision-making within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Stock Management

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and commercial terms with suppliers to achieve optimum value and supply security.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term sourcing strategies.
• Manage stock levels in line with warehousing capacity, production requirements, and customer demand.
• Raise purchase orders and coordinate delivery schedules to ensure continuity of supply.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements where required.

Strategic Procurement & Market Intelligence

• Develop and implement procurement strategies across multiple protein categories.
• Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and supply chain developments to inform purchasing decisions.
• Support pricing strategies through market analysis and commercial insights.
• Prepare and deliver market reports, forecasts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and supply chain optimisation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment between purchasing activities and business requirements.
• Support product development and specification reviews where required.
• Develop contingency plans to minimise supply chain disruptions and manage sourcing risks.
• Provide procurement support across wider purchasing activities as needed.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse purchasing, supplier, stock, and market data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Produce reports on supplier performance, purchasing requirements, inventory levels, and market conditions.
• Utilise ERP systems, Excel, Power BI, and other analytical tools to support data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting metrics.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Business, Food Production, Agriculture, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Proven experience in a procurement, buying, category management, or commercial role involving protein products, food ingredients, or related commodities.
• Strong understanding of commodity markets, pricing structures, supplier management, and procurement processes.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and presenting to senior stakeholders.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel skills with experience in data analysis, modelling, and reporting.
• Strong PowerPoint and presentation development skills.
• Experience using ERP systems and business reporting tools.
• Knowledge of Power BI or similar analytical platforms is advantageous.
• Experience in forecasting, demand planning, and market analysis.

Personal Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking ability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful business insights.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented.
• Collaborative team player with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Exposure to strategic procurement and commercial decision-making.
• Collaborative and fast-paced working environment.
• Opportunity to work with key suppliers and stakeholders across the supply chain.