At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive sourcing projects across logistics and engineering.
- Company: Join Asahi UK, a leading name in the beverage industry with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and strong benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a lean, high-impact team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while gaining diverse experience across categories.
- Qualifications: Procurement experience with a focus on logistics and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This role sits at the operational core of Procurement in Asahi UK. You’ll take ownership of our key UK logistics suppliers, ensuring strong service and cost control, while also supporting our brewery sites with fast‑paced sourcing across engineering and indirect spend. It’s a broad, hands‑on role for someone who:
- Enjoys managing real supplier relationships
- Is comfortable running multiple projects at pace
- Wants exposure across categories, not just one
You’ll play a key role in helping Procurement deliver consistently across a lean UK setup, working closely with Supply Chain and site teams.
What You’ll Do
- Own local logistics supplier relationships
- Manage day‑to‑day relationships with UK 3PL providers
- Monitor service, cost, and performance (KPIs, delivery, claims)
- Identify and drive improvement opportunities
- Manage cost and performance
- Understand logistics cost drivers (transport, warehousing, surcharges)
- Challenge cost increases and support commercial discussions
- Use data to identify trends, risks, and savings opportunities
- Deliver sourcing projects across sites, running multiple sourcing activities (RFQ/RFP) across:
- Engineering / CAPEX (brewery sites)
- Facilities, services, and other indirect spend
- Move quickly from requirement to contract with a pragmatic approach
- Partner closely with the business
- Work with Supply Chain, site teams, and Finance
- Balance operational needs with commercial discipline
- Provide practical, solution‑oriented procurement support
What We’re Looking For
A well‑rounded procurement professional who is comfortable operating independently. Key strengths:
- Strong supplier relationship and performance management capability
- Solid commercial awareness and cost focus
- Data‑driven mindset (able to interpret and act on performance data)
- Structured and organised, able to handle multiple priorities
- Confident communicator with both suppliers and operational stakeholders
Experience:
- Procurement experience, ideally with exposure to logistics or operations
- Experience running sourcing events across indirect categories
Mindset:
- Practical and pragmatic, focuses on outcomes over process for process’ sake
- Comfortable working across different categories without deep expertise in all
- Proactive, accountable, and willing to take ownership
- Own meaningful supplier relationships early in your career
- Gain exposure across logistics, engineering, and indirect categories
- Work closely with operational teams and UK brewery sites
- Be part of a lean, high‑impact Procurement team
Local Category Specialist - Supply Chain and Logistics in Woking employer: Asahi Europe & International
Asahi UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment, particularly for the Local Category Specialist role in Supply Chain and Logistics. With competitive salaries, bonuses, and robust benefits, employees are empowered to build meaningful supplier relationships while gaining invaluable exposure across various categories. The company prioritises employee growth through hands-on experience and close collaboration with operational teams, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in procurement.
Contact Detail:
Asahi Europe & International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Category Specialist - Supply Chain and Logistics in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those working in procurement and logistics. Attend events or webinars where you can connect with potential employers and learn more about their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and running sourcing projects. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in past roles. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate your commercial awareness. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your approach to show how you can contribute to our procurement goals and make a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Category Specialist - Supply Chain and Logistics in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Procurement:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for procurement shine through! We want to see that you genuinely enjoy managing supplier relationships and are excited about the opportunity to work with logistics. Share specific examples of your past experiences that highlight your passion.
Be Data-Driven:Since we’re looking for someone with a data-driven mindset, make sure to include any relevant data or metrics in your application. Talk about how you've used data to identify trends or drive improvements in previous roles. This will show us that you can interpret and act on performance data effectively.
Highlight Your Project Management Skills:This role involves juggling multiple projects at once, so be sure to showcase your organisational skills. In your application, mention any experience you have running sourcing events or managing various priorities simultaneously. We want to know how you keep everything on track!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Local Category Specialist role. Mention how your skills align with our needs in logistics and supply chain, and don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asahi Europe & International
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research Asahi UK's key logistics suppliers and their performance metrics. Understanding their service levels and cost structures will help you discuss how you can manage these relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data in past roles to drive improvements. Bring examples of how you've identified trends or savings opportunities through data analysis, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Since the role involves managing multiple sourcing activities, share specific examples of projects you've handled simultaneously. Highlight your organisational skills and how you prioritised tasks to meet deadlines.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You'll need to engage with both suppliers and operational teams, so showcasing your communication skills during the interview is crucial.