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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic food industry.
- Company: Join Solina, a fast-growing company passionate about sustainable food solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant, international company focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food procurement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with travel opportunities across Europe.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Primary Location: BIGGLESWADE, United Kingdom
At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.
If you’re ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us!
Who are we looking for?
Are you an entrepreneurial, hands-on, action-oriented Procurement Manager? If successful, you will be reporting into the UKI Head of Procurement and taking responsibility for Procurement within our Coatings business unit, with line management of 1 buyer. The role will involve liaising closely with the Central Procurement team along with key cross-functional stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work alongside the Head of Procurement UKI and the Central Procurement Team to align and deliver strategy and group initiatives, particularly close working and alignment with the Central Procurement team on grains, starches and packaging categories.
- Ensure timely, cost-effective sourcing of raw materials and packaging for the Coatings business within budget and to specification.
- Development, implementation & maintenance of optimal sourcing strategies for key spend areas, feeding in any local requirements to globally managed categories.
- Tender management, negotiation and implementation of supplier agreements for spend managed locally.
- Keep abreast of market and commodity movements and provide updates internally and to customers.
- Development & implementation of appropriate supplier management activities for all key suppliers across the portfolio.
- Work closely with the Team across all UKI and Group as a key contributor to the decision-making framework for new products.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree in procurement or related field (Preferred)
- Min 5 years prior experience in food Procurement
- Min 2 years previous line management experience (Preferred)
- Adept in financial metrics and reporting
- Entrepreneurial spirit, hands-on, action-oriented and flexible approach
- Strong analytical skills, excellent communicator and diplomatic
- Site-based role with some travel nationwide (to other Solina sites and suppliers) and occasional travel abroad (mainly European travel, estimate 2-4 trips per year)
- Well organised, design strategic and tactical structures and processes and you know how to translate them to management level.
- Fluent English is a must
- Basic Excel (Pivot table, VLOOKUP etc.)
- Negotiation, Strategic sourcing, INCOTERM, Tariff code
- Ability to organise and prioritise your workload with autonomy
- Ability to work under tight schedule
- Change management
- Credible and comfortable in front of senior stakeholders and suppliers.
- Matrix organisation previous experience.
- Customer centric mindset.
Benefits:
Competitive Benefit Package. We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment.
Procurement Manager in Biggleswade employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Biggleswade
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Procurement Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Solina's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about sustainability and innovation in the food sector. Tailor your answers to reflect our entrepreneurial spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing pricing and supplier agreements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Solina.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Biggleswade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in food procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement processes and worked with cross-functional teams in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, include examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in procurement. This will help us see your ability to keep abreast of market movements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the food industry. Understand key concepts like strategic sourcing, negotiation tactics, and supplier management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. This could be anything from cost analysis to market trends—show them you can think critically and strategically!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Sustainability
Since sustainability is at the heart of Solina's business model, be prepared to talk about how you've incorporated sustainable practices in your previous procurement roles. Share specific examples of how you've sourced materials responsibly or worked with suppliers to reduce environmental impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve procurement goals. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate a matrix organisation and build strong relationships.