At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement strategy and secure raw materials for our growing beverage business.
- Company: Fast-growing B2B company in the beverage space with a dynamic startup culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a high-growth startup and make a real impact on global operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within FMCG or food & beverage sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Company
FoodLab is a fast growing B2B business operating in the beverage space. We partner with brands to help bring their product ideas to life, and to support them across ingredients, production, and supply chain execution. We are at a formative stage of growth, scaling both volume and complexity across multiple markets. We now operate production facilities in the UK and the US and work closely with external suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners.
About the Role
This role is critical in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective sourcing of raw materials and services to support our expanding international operations across the UK, US, EU and GCC markets. You will take ownership of procurement strategy and execution, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply, optimal pricing, and efficient processes. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth startup environment.
Responsibilities
- Own and manage the end-to-end procurement schedule, ensuring continuity of supply aligned to production demand.
- Source and secure raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods at the best available market pricing.
- Monitor market trends and proactively manage supply risks across global sourcing regions.
- Build, manage, and foster strong commercial relationships with existing and new suppliers globally.
- Lead contract negotiations to achieve optimal pricing, payment terms, lead times, and quality standards.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews, holding them accountable to agreed KPIs and SLAs.
- Work closely with production, quality, and operations teams on a daily basis to align procurement with business needs.
- Partner with the finance team to manage payment schedules, and procurement budgets.
- Liaise with logistics and compliance teams to support import and export processes for both raw materials and finished goods.
- Work collaboratively with warehouse teams to implement best practices in stock management and reconciliation.
- Drive initiatives to improve stock turn and maintain optimal safety stock levels.
- Identify and implement improvements to procurement processes and procedures.
- Leverage ERP/MRP system to improve planning accuracy, reporting and efficiency.
- Provide regular reporting on procurement performance, cost savings and supplier metrics to senior leadership.
Qualifications
- Proven procurement experience within FMCG, food & beverage, or hospitality sectors.
- Strong supplier relationship management and favourable commercial terms negotiations.
- Hands-on experience with ERP and/or MRP systems.
- Familiarity with international sourcing, import and export processes, including working with freight forwarders and understanding customs requirements.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth start-up environment where agility and initiative are essential.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Skills
- CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification.
- Experience working across multi-site or multi-market operations (UK, EU, US, GCC).
- Exposure to bespoke manufacturing or contract manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with food safety and compliance standards (e.g. BRC, SALSA, SGS, ISO).
Pay range and compensation package
Salary Range: £55-60k, depending on the qualifications and experience.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.
Procurement Manager in Slough employer: Kinora Group
Contact Detail:
Kinora Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Slough
✨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 the company and its culture. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨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 scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we really value.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially within FMCG or food & beverage sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for FoodLab. Share specific examples of your achievements in supplier relationship management and cost negotiations. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems and any relevant certifications like CIPS. We’re keen on seeing how you can leverage these skills to optimise our procurement processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinora Group
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the FMCG and food & beverage sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing raw materials and managing supplier relationships, as this will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful contract negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you achieved optimal pricing and favourable terms, as this is crucial for the Procurement Manager position. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Research current market trends in the beverage industry and be prepared to discuss how they might affect procurement strategies. This shows that you're proactive and can think critically about supply risks and opportunities in a dynamic environment.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams, like production and finance. Share examples of how you've aligned procurement with business needs and improved processes, as collaboration is key in a fast-paced startup like FoodLab.