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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for our bars, coffee & bakery, and casual dining divisions.
- Company: Join SSP UK & Ireland, a leader in the foodservice industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, health support, and a hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Shape financial performance and drive success in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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.
Essential
- 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 in London employer: SSP UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
SSP UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Procurement Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SSP's values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around cost-saving initiatives and supplier management. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading tendering and contract negotiations, it’s crucial to demonstrate your expertise. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager in London
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 what we're looking for!
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 at SSP. 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. Use metrics where possible, like cost reductions or successful contract negotiations. 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, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSP UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss specific cost-saving initiatives you've led in the past. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets and delivered on procurement targets.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare to showcase your negotiation strategies. Think of a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated better terms with suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this will highlight your commercial acumen.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
You'll be managing supplier relationships, so come prepared with insights on how you've built and maintained these partnerships. Share examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and innovation with suppliers, as this will show your ability to align procurement with business needs.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Understanding market trends is crucial for this position. Research current trends in the foodservice and hospitality sectors, and be ready to discuss how you've used market analysis to inform your procurement strategies. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
