At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels and supplier relationships to ensure high availability and minimal waste.
- Company: Award-winning speciality food wholesaler committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, private health cover, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on people and planet.
- Why this job: Join a values-led team making a positive impact on food sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in supply chain, strong analytical skills, and experience with multiple suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 42500 £ per year.
We are working with an award-winning speciality food and drink wholesaler. They were one of the UK’s first B Corporations, are Carbon Neutral and are a Living Wage employer. They supply independent retailers with premium ambient and chilled products from the best producers in the UK and around the world, and they work closely with their suppliers, many of whom they count as friends.
You’ll manage around 5,000 SKUs from around 450 suppliers. The job is to keep availability high for customers, protect margin through smart buying, and keep waste to a minimum.
What you'll be doing:
- Monitoring and analysing stock levels across the range, and placing orders with suppliers so fulfilment stays high without holding excess stock.
- Spotting and managing the risks of shortages and overstocks.
- Making tactical purchases where there is margin to be gained.
- Reviewing inbound deliveries every day, chasing no-shows and resolving issues with suppliers and the goods-in team.
- Tracking fulfilment levels daily, investigating problems and keeping the business updated.
- Flagging slow-selling and short-dated stock to the sales team to reduce waste.
- Working with the buying team on ranging decisions, and building strong relationships with suppliers and 3PL partners.
- Running regular stock audits and resolving discrepancies.
What they’re looking for:
- 3 to 5+ years in inventory planning, supply planning or replenishment within operations or supply chain.
- Strong with numbers and confident turning data into decisions, with advanced Excel.
- Experience managing multiple suppliers, ideally including imports.
- Knowledge of S&OP processes.
- Experience with Netstock, Orderwise or a similar ERP would be a real advantage.
- Food or drink experience is desirable, and a genuine interest in food and sustainability matters.
- Organised, resilient and hands-on, with good judgement when juggling a busy workload.
What’s on offer:
- GBP37,500-GBP42,500 salary plus company bonus scheme.
- Company pension and private health cover after 6 months.
- Hybrid working, with modern high street offices and a small, friendly team.
- The chance to join a values-led business that puts people and planet first.
Procurement Manager in Reading employer: Talent Guardian
Join a well-established commercial vehicle business in Wimborne, Dorset, as an Aftersales Manager and enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and customer satisfaction. With a competitive salary of £40,000 - £55,000 and generous holiday allowances, this role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team while making a significant impact on workshop performance and customer experience. The company fosters continuous improvement and provides opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Reading
✨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 Talent Guardian.
✨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 in Reading
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 Talent Guardian:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Guardian. 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 Talent Guardian.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Guardian
✨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 Talent Guardian!
✨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 Talent Guardian. 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 Talent Guardian's culture.
