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- Tasks: Lead procurement for goods and services, driving cost savings and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join AF Blakemore, a dynamic family-owned business with over 100 years in the UK food sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible hours, staff discounts, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team making a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working based in Willenhall, Wolverhampton.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Hybrid working based out of Willenhall; Wolverhampton.
Company Overview: We are a dynamic and innovative retail, wholesale, and foodservice business, committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of industry trends. The company owns 247 SPAR convenience stores and employs over 5,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.
About Us: AF Blakemore is one of the largest and most forward-thinking family-owned businesses in the UK. With a passion for food, the company operates across the UK food sector at retail and wholesale levels, providing exceptional products and experiences. With over 100 years of history, we pride ourselves on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Procurement Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing approximately £11 million in spend across 11 sub-commodity areas, reporting to the Head of Procurement - Indirect.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing procurement of goods and services within Facilities Maintenance and Capex
- Driving supply chain performance improvements through stakeholder engagement and negotiation
- Delivering cost savings, process improvements, and benefits
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Managing supplier relationships and contracts to support profitability and environmental targets
- Supporting internal stakeholders with supplier challenges
- Monitoring market trends and risks
- Managing inventory levels and supply sources
- Supporting tender processes and negotiations
- Leading end-to-end procurement initiatives for strategic benefits
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborating with stakeholders to identify needs
- Monitoring market trends for cost-effective procurement
- Controlling non-contractual spend and fostering supplier relationships
- Researching and onboarding new suppliers
- Managing supplier contracts and performance reviews
- Reducing procurement costs and enhancing supplier flexibility
- Implementing cost reduction programs
- Driving continuous improvement and policy development
- Maintaining KPIs and reporting supplier performance
- Supporting tender processes and administrative documentation
- Ensuring health and safety compliance
- Providing analytical data and support
What’s in it for you?
You will play a vital role in our business, with opportunities for training, development, and a competitive salary and benefits, including:
- 34 days holiday including public holidays, increasing with service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Supportive, diverse culture
- Experience in a fast-paced environment
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Flexible working hours
- Comprehensive benefits including early pay access, staff discounts, wellbeing support, pension scheme, extra holiday purchase, and long service awards
Procurement Manager employer: AF Blakemore & Son Ltd
Contact Detail:
AF Blakemore & Son Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in retail and foodservice sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven cost savings and improved supplier relationships in previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AF Blakemore's values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation to align with their commitment to quality and innovation will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
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 and supply chain management. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, drive cost savings, and build supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as managing supplier contracts or driving performance improvements.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise key skills such as negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and market analysis. These are crucial for the Procurement Manager role and will help you stand out.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any previous experiences where you implemented cost reduction programs or improved procurement processes. This demonstrates your proactive approach and aligns with the company's focus on innovation and efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at AF Blakemore & Son Ltd
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research AF Blakemore's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to drive supply chain performance improvements.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in procurement roles. Prepare to share instances where you've negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships effectively, highlighting the outcomes and benefits achieved for your previous employers.
✨Stay Informed on Market Trends
Given the importance of monitoring market trends in this role, be prepared to discuss current trends in procurement and supply chain management. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of the industry landscape.
