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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for ingredients across EMEA, ensuring supply continuity and quality.
- Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and sustainability in food production.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, bonuses, and great perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical role that drives ethical sourcing and supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: 6-8 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and experience with food safety standards required.
- Other info: This role requires onsite presence 2 days a week; sponsorship is not available.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 82000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Procurement Category Manager – Ingredients, you will be responsible for leading the procurement strategy and supply management of raw ingredients across the EMEA region. This critical role focuses on securing supply continuity, optimising cost, and ensuring ingredient quality for a complex and expanding product portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement activities for the ingredients category across the EMEA region.
- Develop and implement category strategies that support long-term growth, quality standards, and commercial targets.
- Ensure continuity of ingredient supply to meet evolving production needs and new product development (NPD) pipelines.
- Conduct robust market analysis of raw material trends, pricing volatility, and supplier capacity.
- Build strong supplier partnerships to drive innovation, quality, and service delivery.
- Monitor and manage supplier compliance with food safety, sustainability, and traceability standards.
- Champion ethical sourcing, responsible procurement, and supplier transparency across the ingredient base.
Required Skills & Experience
- Graduate calibre or equivalent working experience 6–8 years of procurement experience in ingredients or raw materials, ideally within an FMCG environment.
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Experience managing volatile commodity categories or complex ingredient portfolios.
- Deep understanding of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.
- Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret complex data and market signals.
- Excellent cross-functional communication skills and stakeholder management experience.
This is a hybrid role where you'll be expected to be onsite 2 days a week.
Salary banding £75,000 - £82,000 + bonus and benefits. NB. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on market trends related to raw ingredients and commodities. Subscribe to relevant industry publications or follow thought leaders on social media to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier relationship management and negotiation strategies. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed supplier compliance or improved ingredient quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with SAP or similar ERP systems if you haven't already. Consider taking a short online course to boost your confidence and show your commitment to mastering the tools used in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in ingredients or raw materials. Emphasise your achievements in supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Showcase your understanding of market analysis and your experience with food safety and regulatory compliance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your analytical skills and proficiency in ERP systems like SAP. Mention any experience you have with managing volatile commodity categories or complex ingredient portfolios.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include specific examples of how you've driven innovation, quality, and service delivery in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the company's commercial targets and support long-term growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in procurement, especially within the ingredients or raw materials sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires a strong analytical mindset, come ready to discuss how you've interpreted complex data in previous roles. You might want to prepare a few examples where your analysis led to significant cost savings or improved supplier performance.
✨Understand Market Trends
Research current trends in the ingredients market, including pricing volatility and supply chain challenges. Being able to discuss these topics will show that you are proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Emphasise Ethical Sourcing
Given the importance of ethical sourcing in this role, be prepared to talk about your commitment to sustainability and responsible procurement practices. Share any relevant experiences where you've championed these values in your previous positions.
