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- Tasks: Lead procurement for our bars, coffee & bakery, and casual dining divisions across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
- Company: Join SSP, a dynamic company shaping the future of food and beverage services.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, health support, hybrid working, and award-winning training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while driving sustainable sourcing initiatives.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to manage our ingredients spend across our bars, coffee & bakery and casual dining divisions in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. They will be responsible for leading the procurement activity in this key spend area, driving the strategic sourcing agenda and leading tendering and contract negotiations for items critical for our business operations. They will own and develop the supplier relationships, managing suppliers from end to end to support SSP brands and, where relevant, our franchise brands. Key focus will be on driving profit performance by negotiating improved and sustainable commercial terms and managing cost inflation, with supply partners which meet operational requirements utilising the best commercial and most efficient route to market.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across all assigned categories.
- Deliver budgeted procurement activity and targeted initiatives in the financial year.
- Manage and develop the Ingredients Buyer, supporting them in delivering their own procurement activity and objectives.
- Lead RFP / RFI / tender processes to ensure competitive supplier selection.
- Execute contract negotiations to secure best-value terms, risk mitigation, and service excellence.
- Create, document and track all supplier trading terms with Finance.
- Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) focus on goods, reducing costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
- Collaborate with NPD in delivering menu development and first to market innovation.
- Conduct comprehensive spend analysis and identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
- Track market trends, benchmark data, and anticipate supply market changes.
- Rationalisation and consolidation of terms / suppliers / products.
- Present to senior management for approval and implementation.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- Align procurement activity with company CSR policies and ESG strategy, lead on specific sustainable sourcing initiatives.
- Collaborate effectively with internal functions and engage key stakeholders to align procurement to business needs.
Key Measurables:
- Cost Based Reductions (CBR) vs targets on specific categories / suppliers
- Managing inflation basket and identifying new opportunities
- Sourcing products and services to improve quality / availability
- Delivering budget
- Maintaining and improving current supplier terms
- Contract data management and timings
- Supporting new concepts / projects
- Delivering Joint Business Plans (JBP’s) with suppliers
To be successful in this role you will need:
- 5+ years’ Procurement experience (preferably in catering, foodservice or hospitality)
- Proven track record of cost saving initiatives.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset.
- Contract management knowledge.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
- Excellent oral and written skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels including senior management.
- Ability to work in a demanding environment and deliver to specific deadlines.
- Ability to manage and lead cross-functional projects.
Why Join Us:
- Employee Discounts across our brands (over 400 locations)
- Friends and Family Discount App
- Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes
- Health & Wellbeing support
- Hybrid working model with flexibility for work–life balance
- Inclusive and diverse workplace with employee networks and communities
Ready to start the best part of your journey? Join us at SSP and play a key role in shaping the financial performance of our Rail Gourmet business — where your insight, collaboration, and ownership will help drive our success across the UK and beyond. At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.
Senior Procurement Manager employer: SSP Group
Contact Detail:
SSP Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Procurement Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about securing the best terms, we suggest you role-play some scenarios with friends or colleagues. Show them you can handle tough conversations with ease.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Procurement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially in catering or foodservice, and showcase any cost-saving initiatives you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your negotiation skills and stakeholder management experience. We love seeing your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Quantify your successes, like cost reductions or improved supplier relationships. This helps us understand the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSP Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and cost-saving initiatives. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully driven cost reductions or improved supplier terms.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is at the heart of this role. Prepare by reviewing successful negotiation strategies you've employed in the past. Think about how you can apply these to the company's needs, especially in terms of securing best-value terms and managing inflation. Practice articulating your approach clearly.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This position requires excellent stakeholder management. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams or influenced senior management. Highlight your communication skills and how you've aligned procurement activities with business needs in previous roles.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Understanding market trends is crucial for this role. Research current trends in the foodservice and hospitality sectors, particularly in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact procurement strategies and how you would adapt to changes in the supply market.
