At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for cocoa and chocolate, managing supplier relationships and driving innovation.
- Company: Join FBC UK, a top biscuit manufacturer known for iconic brands like Maryland and Jammie Dodger.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values creativity and sustainability in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain; experience in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: We embrace diversity and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: St Albans, GB
Place of Work: Hybrid
Employee Shift: Mon-Fri 37.5hrs
Company Description
We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! We bake the UK's most incredible biscuits. FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company. We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Albans. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations.
We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact. We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues’ professional and personal growth.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Procurement Manager to join our Cocoa/Chocolate team. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, procurement, and inventory management of cocoa and chocolate materials essential to our business. You will play a key role in driving innovation, embedding sustainability into procurement, and building strong supplier partnerships to deliver value.
Main Responsibilities
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost-effective, and reliable cocoa and chocolate sources.
- Find and evaluate alternative suppliers to boost resilience and business continuity.
- Support contract negotiations for optimal terms and long-term partnerships.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including New Product Development (NPD), to drive innovation with new ingredients and supplier capabilities.
- Integrate sustainability into procurement strategies, focusing on ethical sourcing and environmental impact.
- Stay updated on market trends and advancements in sustainable cocoa sourcing.
- Improve procurement processes for efficiency and better collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
- Use data and analytics for informed purchasing decisions, cost savings, and process improvements.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and maintain accurate records of contracts, pricing, and supplier performance.
- Work closely with Supply Chain, Finance, and Product Development teams to align procurement with business needs.
- Support innovation by providing insights on raw material trends and sourcing opportunities.
- Facilitate communication and alignment on procurement-related decisions across departments.
Who We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Proven experience in procurement, preferably within Manufacturing or FMCG.
- Experience in purchasing chocolate products or cocoa-based ingredients (highly desirable).
- Ability to work at pace, managing multiple projects and competing demands effectively.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- High level of numeracy, organisation, and time management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
- A self-starter with energy, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset - driven to make a real impact.
Diversity Statement
FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK.
Procurement Manager employer: Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC) UK
Contact Detail:
Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC) UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the cocoa and chocolate market trends. Understanding current industry developments will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to opportunities at FBC UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost savings in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of sustainability in procurement. FBC UK values ethical sourcing, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their sustainability goals and improve procurement processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially within manufacturing or FMCG. Emphasise any specific experience with cocoa or chocolate products, as this is highly desirable for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the industry and how your skills align with FBC UK's values. Mention your negotiation skills and experience in building supplier relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making. Highlight any past experiences where you improved procurement processes or achieved cost savings.
Research FBC UK: Familiarise yourself with FBC UK's brands and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Mention specific initiatives or values in your application to show that you understand and resonate with their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC) UK
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about FBC UK and its brands. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments in the cocoa and chocolate market. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Procurement Manager. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Procurement Manager, you'll need strong analytical thinking. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and analytics in previous roles to make informed purchasing decisions or improve procurement processes. Bring examples that demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your experience working cross-functionally with teams like New Product Development and Supply Chain. Highlight specific instances where your teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in driving innovation or sustainability.