At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a large food manufacturer focused on procurement performance and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Based near Brackley with travel opportunities; perfect for those passionate about negotiation and supplier management.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of procurement, driving savings and supplier performance in a vital role.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management, ideally in food manufacturing or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A large food manufacturer are seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join their procurement team.
This role is looking after packaging, raw material and direct consumables and the chance to lead sourcing activity that protects service levels, strengthens supplier performance, and delivers measurable savings.
What You Will Do
- Own the commercial and operational performance for Direct Spend category areas, including packaging and ingredients as a Procurement Category Manager.
- Develop and maintain category plans by analysing spend, supplier performance, pricing trends and market conditions.
- Lead sourcing activities such as RFQs, tenders, supplier evaluations and commercial negotiations for the Procurement Category Manager portfolio.
- Deliver savings, cost avoidance and supplier consolidation opportunities, ensuring recommendations balance cost, quality, service, risk and operational needs.
- Manage key supplier relationships, run supplier review meetings, and drive improvement actions against agreed KPIs.
- Coach and support two Buyers, allocate workload, review outputs, and act as the escalation point for operational buying issues.
What You Will Bring
- Strong procurement and/or category management experience, ideally with direct spend such as packaging, ingredients, raw materials or comparable categories within food manufacturing or FMCG.
- CIPS qualification (preferred) or the confidence to work towards it, combined with strong contract terms and conditions knowledge.
- Proven analytical ability, including advanced Excel experience for spend analysis, cost comparisons and decision support.
- Commercial awareness and confidence leading negotiations across pricing, payment terms, service levels and supplier agreements.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, plus the ability to work independently, proactively and under pressure.
This Procurement Category Manager position plays a vital part in supporting the company's focus on procurement performance across Avara Foods.
By turning demand into clear sourcing plans, maintaining robust supplier relationships, and ensuring procurement activity follows policy and approval processes, you will help strengthen continuity of supply and reduce commercial risk across direct material spend.
Location
Based at Near Brackley, with travel to other sites and suppliers as required for the Procurement Category Manager role.
Interested?
If you are motivated by negotiation, supplier performance and category ownership, apply now for this Procurement Category Manager opportunity and take the next step in an exciting, impact-driven procurement career.
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978.
The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included
Contact Details:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Brackley
✨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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd.
✨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 Category Manager in Brackley
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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd. 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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
✨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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd!
✨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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd. 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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd's culture.
