At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for pet products.
- Company: Join Pets Choice, a fast-growing FMCG pet products manufacturer.
- Benefits: Flexible working with a mix of home and office days, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the pet-care industry while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within FMCG and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Pets Choice is an ever-evolving FMCG branded pet products manufacturer and supplier. As one of the fastest-growing producers in the pet-care industry, we’re committed to elevating our large, diverse portfolio of trusted brands, including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight, Vets Kitchen, Hownd and Meatiful. Our products range from food, treats, toys, accessories, and healthcare, giving us a uniquely broad presence across the pet-care landscape. We manufacture and supply into a wide range of channels including Grocery, Discounter, Wholesale, eCommerce, Pet Specialist, and Export markets, ensuring our brands reach pet owners across the UK and beyond.
As part of the Supply Chain and Procurement team, you will be responsible for a small team managing outsourced finished goods, ensuring the business has a reliable and cost-effective supply of products that meet agreed quality, regulatory, and service standards. Working collaboratively with Planning, Technical, Supply Chain, Marketing and Commercial teams, you will manage supplier performance, support product launches, optimise inventory levels, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for finished goods categories that support company growth, profitability, and customer requirements.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the key commercial contact for strategic finished goods suppliers.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate spend, improve supplier performance, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
- Conduct regular market analysis to understand industry trends, commodity movements, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging supply risks.
- Monitor supplier financial health, capacity, compliance, and operational performance to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Lead supplier business reviews and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, quality, and cost performance.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, service level agreements, and long-term supply contracts.
- Lead strategic sourcing activities, supplier selection, tender processes, and contract negotiations to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
Strategic Replenishment & Supplier Management
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for finished goods categories that support company growth, profitability, and customer requirements.
- Monitor supplier financial health, capacity, compliance, and operational performance to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Lead supplier business reviews and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, quality, and cost performance.
- Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve any supplier or material quality issues.
Inventory & Cost Management
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve margins, reduce total cost of ownership, and enhance procurement efficiency.
- Develop and track key procurement KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, inventory health, and working capital metrics.
- Deliver annual cost savings targets through strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, value engineering, and supplier development initiatives.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve margins, reduce total cost of ownership, and enhance procurement efficiency.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply across all finished goods categories.
- Monitor geopolitical, economic, regulatory, and market developments that may impact the supply base.
- Support inventory optimisation initiatives, balancing customer service requirements with working capital objectives.
- Champion procurement best practice, governance, and compliance across the organisation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes, systems, and supplier management activities.
- Promote a culture of commercial excellence, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
- Present regular procurement reports, leveraging data analytics to monitor KPIs and performance metrics.
Proven experience in procurement with technical understanding within a FMCG environment. Experience working cross-functionally with planning, technical, and production teams. Proficiency in inventory management. Strong commercial acumen and budget management experience. Knowledge of MRP systems and procurement analytics tools. Strategic thinking and commercial awareness. Risk management and problem-solving. Previous experience within the pet industry.
Please note this role requires a minimum of 7 days per fortnight in the office, with the remaining 3 days working from home.
Procurement Manager - Home Based in Blackburn employer: Pets Choice Ltd
As a Purchase Manager at our Blackburn location, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and collaboration. Our company values employee growth, offering continuous development opportunities and a supportive culture that encourages innovation and teamwork. With a focus on maintaining excellent customer service while managing inventory effectively, you'll be part of a dedicated team that prioritises both professional fulfilment and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Home Based in Blackburn
✨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 Pets Choice 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 Manager - Home Based in Blackburn
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 Pets Choice Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Pets Choice 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 Pets Choice Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets Choice 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 Pets Choice 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 Pets Choice 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 Pets Choice Ltd's culture.
