At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing of ingredients for our delicious drinks and drive innovation.
- Company: Join Nichols, the home of Vimto, where flavour meets fun!
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual bonus, and perks like free drinks and a day off to volunteer.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a real impact in the FMCG industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Procurement Manager – Ingredients
About Nichols:
We\'re Nichols - the home of Vimto, and there is no other business quite like ours!
We have been making life taste better since 1908. Every day here is bursting with flavour – from the loved brands we’re proud to share with the world, to the energy, ambition and innovative ideas that fizz through our teams.
As well as our refreshingly different Vimto taste, our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post-mix and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products that everyone loves.
At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are. This is a place where you can be yourself, speak up, and get stuck in. We celebrate the wins, cheer each other on and keep things fizzing with positivity. From leaders who listen to teammates who\'ve always got your back, its work that feels as good as it tastes!
We take a refreshingly agile approach to how we work, combining the energy of being together in the office with the flexibility of working from home. You\’ll be office-based three days a week, with core hours designed to help you balance work and home life.
Nichols is where serious fun meets real opportunities – and where work tastes better.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
This role is a key ingredient in the Nichols procurement recipe. As Ingredients Procurement Manager, you\'ll take the lead on sourcing the essential components that make our drinks taste great, from sugar and fruit juices to flavours and colours; as well as playing a crucial role in our innovation pipeline. With a spend of around £30 million, you\'ll be balancing cost, quality, service, and sustainability to achieve lowest total cost of ownership and a resilient, future-fit supply chain.
THE ROLE WILL INCLUDE:
- Budgeting Brilliance – Own the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting for ingredient spend across our in-house and co-manufacturing network.
- Sourcing with Purpose – Ensure every ingredient is responsibly sourced, aligned with our Happier Future strategy and identify opportunities for Nichols to reduce its impact on the planet.
- Category Strategy Chef – Cook up smart, forward-thinking strategies for key ingredients, and bring them to life with cross-functional teams.
- Supplier Success Partner – Build strong, productive relationships with suppliers. Run regular reviews, set clear expectations, and drive continuous improvement.
- Collaboration Champion – Work closely with co-manufacturer procurement teams to align sourcing strategies and unlock shared value.
- Data-Driven Decision Maker – Use procurement systems and e-tools to track performance, monitor trends, and show how procurement is adding real value.
- Go-To Ingredient Expert – Be the trusted advisor for all things ingredients—supporting NPD, Technical, and Commercial teams with insights, innovation, and cost-saving ideas.
- Risk Radar On – Spot and mitigate risks before they become issues—whether it\’s supply disruption, price volatility, or sustainability challenges.
- Problem Solver with Purpose – Tackle challenges with fairness, integrity, and a long-term mindset that protects Nichols and our partners.
ABOUT YOU
To make a splash in this role you will bring.
- Proven Experience – At least 3 years of hands-on procurement experience in a fast-paced FMCG environment, with a strong focus on directs.
- Commercial Acumen – You understand markets, cost drivers, and supplier dynamics—and you use that insight to make smart, data-led decisions.
- Negotiation Mastery – You\'re confident, prepared, and persuasive—able to secure the best outcomes while building strong, sustainable partnerships.
- Analytical Agility – You\'re comfortable with complexity and love turning data into actionable insights that inform strategy and performance.
- Collaboration & Influence – You work brilliantly across teams and functions, bringing people together to deliver shared success.
- Innovation Mindset – You\'re always looking for new ways to improve, whether it\’s unlocking supplier-led innovation or finding smarter sourcing solutions.
- Resilience & Adaptability – You stay calm and focused in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment—and help others do the same.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US:
No matter where you work in our business you will be entitled to a range of amazing benefits, here is a snapshot of what we can offer you:
- 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
- Annual Bonus
- Save as you Earn Share Scheme
- Option to join our private medical cover scheme
- Enhanced Primary Carers leave and sick pay
AND LETS NOT FORGET THE PERKS
We are also proud to offer:
- Holiday home stay
- Your birthday off work
- Free on site parking
- 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where)
- Help yourself to our drinks when at one of our sites
- Staff shop with discounts on our products
Where work tastes better.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe diverse teams perform at their best, and we welcome people with different backgrounds, life experiences, perspectives and ways of thinking.
Our standard recruitment process for short-listed candidates typically includes an initial call with our Talent Advisor, followed by a first stage interview via Microsoft Teams and second stage interviews face to face. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process please feel free to contact us.
We understand that many candidates use AI tools to help prepare applications. You\'re welcome to use these tools to improve spelling, grammar or structure, but your application must accurately reflect your own skills, experience and achievements.
Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK.
Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.
Procurement Manager - Ingredients in Newton-le-Willows employer: Nichols plc
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With a strong focus on strategic partnership and financial insights, our company offers exceptional benefits such as 25 days of holiday, an annual bonus, and opportunities for community volunteering, all while fostering a culture that values diversity and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the UK Packaged business unit and advance your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Ingredients in Newton-le-Willows
✨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 Nichols plc.
✨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 - Ingredients in Newton-le-Willows
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 Nichols plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Nichols plc. 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 Nichols plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols plc
✨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 Nichols plc!
✨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 Nichols plc. 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 Nichols plc's culture.
