At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and negotiate deals in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Asahi UK, a dynamic company in the premium beer sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous beer allowance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while enjoying exciting partnerships in sports and events.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in Woking)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus
Perks: Generous beer allowance, strong pension, wellness initiatives, company discounts & access to an electric car leasing scheme
Travel: Occasional trips to Europe for Procurement meetings & industry events
Opportunity
Are you a commercially minded negotiator with a passion for Procurement? Do you thrive under pressure, working to tight deadlines and making an impact on the bottom line? If so, Asahi UK has the perfect role for you. As a Procurement Local Category Specialist within our Supply Chain category team you’ll lead strategic and tactical sourcing projects. This is a high-visibility role where you’ll work closely with stakeholders across the UK business, using your analytical, negotiation, and supplier management skills to drive results.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own & run sourcing projects — Work closely with the supply chain team to manage end-to-end sourcing projects and key supplier relationships.
- Deliver to our Procurement strategy — Assess business needs quickly, research suppliers, and develop smart sourcing strategies.
- Support Local and Regional Category Managers — Work on large tenders, data analysis and market research, gaining exposure to strategic Procurement.
- Drive commercial value — Negotiate pricing & terms, ensuring Asahi gets the best deals while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Follow Procurement governance with agility — Apply policies with a speed‑to‑contract mindset.
- Master stakeholder management — Manage a diverse range of marketing stakeholders, balancing priorities and expectations, and positioning procurement’s added value.
Additional Benefits
- Premium Beer. Premium Procurement. — Lead in the Super Premium beer category, managing exciting partnerships in Formula 1, British Summer Time, Ascot & Premier League Rugby.
- Fast-paced & high-impact — Work across multiple spend categories, learning to manage supplier negotiations, stakeholder expectations, and contract execution.
- Culture of inclusion & support — A team that is open, transparent and collaborative, committed to DE&I.
Requirements
- Procurement experience — Demonstrable sourcing expertise within supply chain and logistics categories, ideally in an FMCG sector company.
- A natural negotiator — Thrill from improving commercial terms under tight timelines.
- A problem solver — Quickly assess a sourcing need and devise best approach.
- Detail-oriented but agile — Respect governance while working at speed to get things done.
- Confident in contract negotiation — Understand contractual positions and practical risks of amendment.
Next Step
Ready to take the next step? Join Asahi UK’s Procurement team, where commercial thinking meets premium beer.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can shine as you are - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.
LOCAL CATEGORY SPECIALIST in Woking employer: Asahi UK
Asahi UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering a unique blend of competitive salary, generous perks including a beer allowance, and a strong commitment to employee wellness. Located in Woking, this hybrid role provides opportunities for professional growth through exposure to high-impact procurement projects and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, all while enjoying the benefits of working in the vibrant FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LOCAL CATEGORY SPECIALIST in Woking
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Asahi UK.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace LOCAL CATEGORY SPECIALIST in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Asahi UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Asahi UK. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Asahi UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Asahi UK
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Asahi UK!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Asahi UK. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Asahi UK's culture.
