At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Sofina Foods is a leading food company focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension scheme and enhanced sick pay.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to building an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy while contributing to sustainable growth and food excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Sofina Foods Europe is looking for a commercially focused Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across key categories. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape procurement strategy in a fast-paced FMCG environment where quality, sustainability, and innovation are core to how we do business.
As part of the European Procurement team, you will play a central role in ensuring Sofina’s operations are supported with cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable supply chains.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across assigned categories.
- Lead negotiations to secure the best value in quality, service, and cost.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring performance and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across Finance, Technical, Operations, and NPD to align purchasing with business needs.
- Analyse spend, forecast demand, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Support sustainability and risk management goals through responsible procurement practices.
- Maintain accurate data and procurement records in SAP and Excel-based systems.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Confident and commercially minded procurement professional with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience in roles such as Category Manager, Sourcing Specialist, or Purchasing Lead, with a track record in delivering value through sourcing strategies and supplier optimisation.
- Strong background in procurement and supplier relationship management, ideally in FMCG or food manufacturing.
- Experience in category management and driving commercial value.
- Excellent negotiation, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency in SAP and Excel.
- A passion for building sustainable, ethical supply chains.
Why Sofina Foods?
As one of Europe’s leading food companies, we’re proud of our culture of quality, collaboration, and innovation. This role gives you the chance to influence procurement at a strategic level, while contributing to the bigger picture of sustainable growth and food excellence.
Equal Opportunities:
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Location: Cookstown, County Tyrone
Hours of Work: Full-time
Procurement Manager in Cookstown employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cookstown, County Tyrone, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration across diverse teams, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced FMCG sector. Join us to be part of a culture that values quality, ethical sourcing, and a shared vision of becoming the most successful food company in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Cookstown
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable procurement and strategic sourcing. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values that Sofina Foods prioritises.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those involved in procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost-saving initiatives in your previous roles. This will showcase your practical experience and ability to deliver value, which is crucial for the Procurement Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sofina Foods' recent projects and sustainability initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Cookstown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supplier management. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive value and sustainability, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable supply chains and how your background aligns with Sofina Foods' values. Mention specific examples of successful negotiations or strategic sourcing plans you've implemented.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Emphasise your proficiency in SAP and Excel, as well as your negotiation and data analysis skills. These are crucial for the Procurement Manager role and should be clearly stated in both your CV and cover letter.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the FMCG sector and food manufacturing in your application. Mention any trends or challenges in the industry that you are aware of and how you can contribute to overcoming them at Sofina Foods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Research Sofina Foods
Before your interview, take the time to understand Sofina Foods' mission, values, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food industry, as this will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences in procurement and supplier management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated or built supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on data analysis in the role, be prepared to discuss your experience with SAP and Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to identify cost-saving opportunities or improve procurement processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Sofina Foods values sustainable practices, so be ready to discuss your views on responsible procurement. Share any relevant experiences where you've implemented sustainable sourcing strategies or contributed to ethical supply chains.
