Category Manager - Directs

British Sugar is a home-grown success story and one of the most efficient and competitive beet processors in the world. Around 3,500 farmers based in East Anglia and the East Midlands supply our four advanced manufacturing sites with eight million tonnes of sugar beet every year. We, in turn, produce over 1 million tonnes of sugar, serving customers across the UK, Ireland, and increasingly in the EU and global markets.

Job type: Fixed term

Location: Peterborough

Salary: £65,000 – £70,000

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Category Manager, the Directs will be an integral part of the procurement team, partnering with key stakeholders to create competitive advantage and ensure supply continuity for British Sugar through efficient, innovative, sustainable sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.

Partnering with stakeholders in Site Stores, Supply Chain & Planning, Finance, Food Safety & Quality, and Operations, you will deliver value and ensure British Sugar remains the preferred choice for customers and suppliers, providing expert market knowledge and insights to meet performance objectives and strategic priorities.

Core Accountabilities

• Implement sourcing strategies to achieve objectives and targeted results with stakeholders and the Senior Category Manager.
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver objectives, offering challenge and support as needed.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure contractual agreements, negotiations, and service level agreements are in place for effective performance management.
• Prioritize and deliver projects across the Directs Category, mitigating risks and meeting deadlines.
• Lead and support teams through the commercial and contractual processes, resulting in robust contractual frameworks that meet ABF’s corporate standards.
• Support the wider Procurement Team to enhance performance and capability, achieving shared goals.
• Maintain procurement tools, systems, and processes, ensuring they are current and fully utilized.
• Manage procurement risks and provide market insights to support business decision-making.

Skills, Knowledge & Competencies

• Over 5 years\’ experience leading and delivering sourcing strategies within manufacturing.
• Broad knowledge of various Direct sub-categories.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements relevant to contracts.
• Experience with e-procurement tools.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Effective influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Positive attitude with a proactive approach.
• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence required for site visits.

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