At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and negotiate contracts for sustainable seafood sourcing.
- Company: Join New England Seafood International, a leader in premium seafood imports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while promoting sustainable practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
New England Seafood International (NESI) was established in 1991 and is an importer and processor of premium fresh and frozen sustainable fish and seafood. NESI employs circa 850 people across three sites in the UK and imports a wide range of wild and farmed fish and shellfish from all around the world. We are part of the Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation formed in 1971 and which is owned by 26,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders, who are all bloodline descendants of the first settlers to the Americas. Our vision is to “show people how to enjoy fish every day” and we pride ourselves on our supply chain integrity, sustainable sourcing and high-quality product. Our values run through our business and are Respect, Customer Care, By Learning We Grow, Team Spirit and Integrity.
Reports to: Head of Operational and Packaging Procurement
Location: Grimsby, Chessington or Paignton
Shift pattern: Monday to Friday
Hours: 08:00am – 17.00pm
The Operational Procurement Manager will take ownership of all Procurement activity within the Operational categories and lead cost saving initiatives, tenders and contract negotiations. The role will also provide the opportunity to build on existing supplier relationships as well as seek new suppliers to improve service agreements, reliability and compliance.
Role & Responsibilities
- Accountable for defining the procurement sourcing strategy to ensure full availability of target operational goods and services at competitive input costs.
- Negotiation of contracts and service level agreements to meet agreed operational procurement objectives.
- Securing contracts with suppliers to provide the business with long‑term stability.
- Management of tender processes from end-to-end including engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare and present contract award recommendations to NESI senior management.
- Budgeting costs, monthly forecasting along with identifying solutions to resolve any identified variances to cost targets.
- Continued development and delivery of operational procurement profit improvement plan (PIP).
- Supporting site operational and technical teams to resolve supplier service and quality issues including recovering related costs from suppliers.
What experiences, knowledge and capabilities do I need to demonstrate?
- Operational or indirect procurement experience for a UK food manufacturing operation.
- Drive, commitment and leadership with a strong cross‑functional approach to business management.
- Acts on own initiative, makes things happen and accepts responsibility for results.
- Relevant operational supply chain knowledge backed by strong procurement & negotiation experience.
- Experience of commercial and P&L autonomy – understanding budgets and how to grow profit.
- Focuses on bottom‑line results, identifies potential risks and monitors the financial impact of own activities.
- Uses influence to make an impact, convinces and persuades others, promotes plans and ideas successfully.
- Experience in negotiating new and improved contract terms with the Supplier.
- Adheres to company rules and procedures, executes plans with commitment and determination to achieve high quality results.
- Communicates in a clear, precise and structured way.
- Co‑operates well with others, shares knowledge, experience and information.
- Strong analytical and financial skills.
- Proven IT, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Organises regular feedback sessions.
- Understands the importance of internal customers as stakeholders.
Operational Procurement Manager employer: New England Seafood International
New England Seafood International is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment that values data-driven decision-making. Located in the vibrant UK retail sector, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact on eCommerce performance while being part of a forward-thinking team.
Contact Details:
New England Seafood International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational 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 New England Seafood International.
✨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 Operational 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 New England Seafood International:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to New England Seafood International. 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 New England Seafood International.
How to prepare for a job interview at New England Seafood International
✨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 New England Seafood International!
✨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 New England Seafood International. 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 New England Seafood International's culture.
