At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and develop innovative procurement strategies for diverse clients.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leading food procurement organisation within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on client outcomes and strengthen supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with a focus on client engagement and commercial strategy.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Procurement Manager
Location: Chertsey or London, hybrid working
Office requirement: Minimum two days per week
UK travel required
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation and part of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We bring together procurement expertise, commercial insight, supplier relationships and data-led decision-making to deliver measurable value for a diverse portfolio of clients. Working across Food, Retail and Services categories, our teams develop innovative commercial solutions that improve client outcomes, strengthen supplier partnerships and support sustainable business growth. With more than £1 billion of managed spend across Foodbuy UK & Ireland and ambitious plans for the future, this is an exciting opportunity to influence commercial strategy and deliver meaningful results at scale.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Procurement Manager to join our Commercial Sales Team. Operating at the intersection of procurement, sales and client strategy, you will lead high-value sourcing initiatives, manage complex supplier negotiations and develop client-specific procurement strategies. You will be responsible for delivering measurable commercial value across our client portfolio. This will include identifying new opportunities, strengthening supplier partnerships, optimising commercial frameworks and translating procurement activity into clear client benefits and growth opportunities. This is an influential role for someone who combines strong procurement expertise with a client-focused and commercially driven approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Strategy and Delivery
- Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and tendering activity
- Develop category and sourcing strategies using market intelligence, client requirements and commercial insight
- Manage supplier selection, negotiation, contracting and implementation
- Deliver procurement and commercial targets across the client portfolio
- Develop innovative approaches that maximise value for both clients and Foodbuy
- Identify opportunities to optimise and evolve the supplier base
- Client Value and Engagement
- Design and deliver client-specific procurement strategies aligned with wider business objectives
- Lead structured, insight-led client reviews that demonstrate measurable commercial value
- Identify opportunities for client growth, retention and additional value creation
- Act as a trusted commercial partner, influencing client decision-making
- Build strong, credible and long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders
- Supplier Management
- Develop and deliver joint business plans with suppliers and manufacturers
Procurement Manager employer: Compass UK & Ireland
As a Cleaning Supervisor at our Defence location, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. We offer flexible part-time hours, competitive benefits, and a commitment to recognising and rewarding hard work, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful employment while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨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 Compass UK & Ireland.
✨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 Procurement Manager
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 Compass UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Compass UK & Ireland. 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 Compass UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass UK & Ireland
✨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 Compass UK & Ireland!
✨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 Compass UK & Ireland. 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 Compass UK & Ireland's culture.
