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- Tasks: Lead procurement for ambient and frozen categories, ensuring product readiness and supplier management.
- Company: Join itsu, a dynamic and fast-growing chain of Asian-inspired healthy food shops.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and free itsu lunch.
- Other info: Flexible, can-do attitude required in a constantly changing environment.
- Why this job: Drive change and influence growth in an expanding food business.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement or NPD, strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
itsu [grocery] is a crusading, dynamic, & fast-growing chain of Asian-inspired healthy food shops. itsu [grocery] is looking for a Category Procurement Manager to join its Supply Chain team. We’re looking for a Category Procurement Manager to lead procurement for our ambient and frozen categories, supporting existing ranges and NPD across a growing supplier base. You’ll deliver strong commercial outcomes while ensuring products meet our sourcing and certification standards and are operationally ready to launch.
Responsibilities:
- Own procurement for the ambient & frozen categories, including supplier management, selection and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Lead price negotiations, market/commodity analysis and cost-saving initiatives.
- Partner with the Head of Procurement to shape and deliver the overall procurement category strategy and sourcing roadmap for ambient and frozen categories.
- Work with the NPD team to source new suppliers and products across all temperature regimes.
- Own our supplier onboarding process, ensuring supplier documentation, commercial terms and certifications are in place and kept up to date.
- Work closely with our project teams to lead supply chain representation in NPD / EPD for our ambient and frozen projects.
- Ensure operational readiness for launches and range changes, ensuring MOQs, lead times, critical paths and supply chain risks are identified, agreed and managed.
You:
- Minimum 3-5 years experience in a buying, procurement or product/NPD role, ideally within FMCG, or food manufacturing.
- Strong commercial skills and accuracy.
- Confident with negotiations.
- Proven record of great supplier relationship management and ability to communicate effectively with varying stakeholders.
- Great organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally.
- Understanding of the NPD Gate process and knowledge of supply chain operations.
- Knowledge of Incoterms, freight and customs processes for food imports.
- High level of data accuracy and written comprehension with strong attention to detail.
- An open-minded approach to the role and a flexible, can-do, friendly attitude.
What we offer:
- Join an expanding food business
- The ability to drive change and influence the growth of the business
- Competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday
- Private Health Insurance
- Company Pension Scheme
- Free itsu lunch
- 50% itsu discount
Category Procurement Manager employer: itsu
Contact Detail:
itsu Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 itsu and understanding their values and products. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for Asian-inspired healthy food!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining the itsu team and contributing to our exciting growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in ambient and frozen categories, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about joining itsu [grocery] and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Don’t forget to mention your negotiation skills and supplier management experience!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We want to see your strong commercial skills in action! Include examples of successful price negotiations or cost-saving initiatives you've led in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our dynamic team at itsu [grocery].
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the ambient and frozen categories. Understand current trends, key suppliers, and any recent innovations in the market. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Prepare for potential negotiation scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would approach price negotiations or supplier performance discussions. Practising these conversations can help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be ready to discuss examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Highlight specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
Since the role requires juggling multiple tasks under pressure, prepare to share how you stay organised. Discuss tools or methods you use to manage deadlines and ensure operational readiness for launches, showcasing your ability to handle the fast-paced environment at itsu.