At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for utilities, driving sustainability and cost optimisation.
- Company: Premier Foods, committed to inclusion and sustainability.
- Benefits: Bonus, holiday purchase scheme, sharesave scheme, private medical, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a culture that values authenticity and supports disability inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape a sustainable future while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is your opportunity to take ownership of a critical category, work across our business, and help shape a more sustainable future through smarter energy and utilities procurement. As Procurement Manager – Utilities, you’ll lead the strategy and sourcing of key utility categories including electricity, gas, renewables, diesel, water, ETS and PRNs. You’ll play a pivotal role in balancing cost, sustainability and risk, ensuring our supply base is resilient, compliant and aligned to our business goals. Working cross-functionally, you’ll bring insight, energy and expertise to support operational performance and long-term planning.
What you’ll be doing:
- Developing and delivering category strategies for Utilities, including energy and water
- Leading sourcing activity end-to-end, from tenders through to negotiation and supplier selection
- Managing supplier relationships across utilities and service providers
- Monitoring utilities markets, regulatory changes and global trends to inform strategy and mitigate risk
- Driving cost optimisation and value creation through strategic sourcing and continuous improvement
- Partnering with Engineering, Operations, Finance and ESG teams to support site requirements and improve efficiency
- Driving sustainability through carbon reduction, energy efficiency and responsible resource use
- Using market insight (including price, FX and regulatory shifts) to recommend and support hedging strategies
- Ensuring strong governance, supplier compliance and risk management across the supply base
- Supporting forecasting and budgeting processes with accurate cost insights
What you'll bring:
- Proven experience in procurement
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Ability to develop and execute category strategies
- Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving capability
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- A proactive, results‑driven approach with the ability to work independently
- Knowledge of utilities
What we offer in return:
- Bonus
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Sharesave Scheme
- EV Car Scheme
- Private Medical
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Life assurance
- Wide range of online and in-house training
- Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Procurement Manager Energy in St Albans employer: Premier Foods
At Premier Foods, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values authenticity and individuality. As a Procurement Manager in the energy sector, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful sustainability initiatives while benefiting from a comprehensive rewards package, including a bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities. Join us in shaping a resilient future while enjoying a workplace that champions diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager Energy in St Albans
✨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 Premier Foods.
✨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 Energy in St Albans
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 Premier Foods:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Premier Foods. 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 Premier Foods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨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 Premier Foods!
✨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 Premier Foods. 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 Premier Foods's culture.
