Junior Fresh Buyer

Salary: £35,000–£38,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Site-based
Hours: Full-time (early starts required to meet market, supplier and operational demands)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for a Junior Fresh Fish Buyer or Fresh Fish Buyer to join a fast-paced fresh food business. You'll support the sourcing and purchasing of fresh fish and seafood, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure excellent product availability, quality and value.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in seafood, food purchasing, fish wholesale or another fresh food environment who is looking to build a long-term career in buying and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase fresh fish and seafood in line with customer demand, production requirements and stock forecasts.
• Manage purchase orders, monitor stock levels and help minimise waste.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating availability, pricing and resolving supply issues.
• Monitor seafood market trends, pricing and seasonality to support commercial buying decisions.
• Maintain accurate product costs and purchasing records while supporting margin performance.
• Ensure products meet quality standards, specifications and traceability requirements.
• Work closely with Production, Operations, Sales, Technical and Finance teams to communicate availability and supplier updates.
• Complete purchasing administration and reporting accurately and on time.

About You

Essential

• Experience within seafood, fish wholesale, food manufacturing, foodservice or another fresh food environment.
• Good knowledge of fresh fish and seafood products.
• Strong organisational, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness with an interest in buying and procurement.
• Good numerical and analytical skills, including experience using Excel and ERP or purchasing systems.
• Ability to work early mornings when required.

Desirable

• Previous buying, procurement or stock control experience.
• Knowledge of UK seafood suppliers, species, seasonality and market pricing.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and food safety standards such as HACCP, SALSA or BRCGS.
• CIPS qualification or willingness to study towards one.

Career Development

This role offers a clear pathway into Buyer and Senior Buyer positions, providing hands-on experience in sourcing, supplier management, commercial negotiation and category management within a fast-moving fresh food business.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£35,000–£38,000 DOE), company pension and holiday entitlement.
• Health & wellbeing programme, employee discounts and company events.
• Career development opportunities, free on-site parking, Cycle to Work and Car schemes.