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- Tasks: Join our Procurement team to drive innovation and support new product launches.
- Company: Heineken, the world's leading brewer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, and 35 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of procurement in a global company.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or a passion for learning in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
Function: Procurement
Location: Edinburgh (St Andrews Sq) - hybrid with a mix of office & home working
Salary: £46,000 - £55,000 base depending on experience + performance bonus plus full benefits listed below
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 19th March 2026
As the nation’s leading pub, cider and beer company and the name behind a host of brilliant brands, we’re looking for equally brilliant people to help us on our journey to building a better future.
Two Opportunities Available
We’re recruiting for two Category Specialist roles within our Procurement function, each offering a different focus and experience depending on background and career stage. While both roles sit at the same grade and operate within our wider Procurement team, the day‐to‐day priorities, immediate business needs and development opportunities differ between the two positions.
Fixed Term Contract – Category Specialist, Direct Materials
This Fixed Term Contract role will sit within our Direct Materials procurement team and is focused on providing immediate operational support and delivery during a critical period for the business.
Responsibilities
- Supporting delivery of the New Product Introduction (NPI) agenda, working closely with:
- our Breweries to ensure continuity of supply and operational stability
- the Marketing NPI team to enable timely and effective delivery of NPI projects
- suppliers and Global Procurement partners to ensure materials are available, contracts are in place and call‐off processes run smoothly
Qualifications
You’ll be expected to hit the ground running, confidently using existing systems and processes to protect supply, support NPI delivery and provide reassurance to key stakeholders. Ideal candidates are experienced procurement professionals, ideally with FMCG and/or drinks sector experience, who are comfortable operating in an environment where Global Procurement leads strategic sourcing and buying activity.
Permanent – Category Specialist, Commerce & Business Services
We’re recruiting for a permanent position within our Commerce and Business Services category – partnering with business areas that play a critical role in enabling how we operate, engage with customers and consumers, and run our core business functions. This is a great opportunity to deepen your procurement expertise while contributing to the performance of high‐visibility, business‐critical spend areas.
In this role, you’ll be hands‐on with local sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management across key sub‐categories. You’ll work closely with budget owners and functional leads to shape sourcing plans that deliver value, efficiency, and innovation. You’ll also play an active role in strategic global initiatives and programmes aligned with our Evergreen 2030 strategy, ensuring our Commerce and Business Services category remains future‐fit, sustainable, and commercially robust.
We welcome applicants at various stages of their procurement career. Depending on business needs and prior experience, you may initially support Direct Materials before transitioning fully into Commerce and Business Services.
Ideal Candidate
- Demonstrates confidence in hands‐on sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management across diverse business‐service categories
- Enjoys collaborating with a broad and varied stakeholder group across the business
- Is motivated to drive cost, innovation, and service improvements
- Is energised by contributing to global initiatives and programmes that support our Evergreen 2030 strategy
- Wants a long‐term career within Procurement with exposure to both strategic projects and operational delivery
Which Role is Right for You?
Both roles play an important part in strengthening our Procurement capability. The Fixed Term Contract role is focused on delivery, operational stability and NPI support, while the Permanent role offers scope for development, capability building and longer‐term progression. We’d encourage applicants to consider which opportunity best aligns with their experience, strengths and career aspirations, please make this clear within your cover letter.
Our Benefits
- Discretionary Annual bonus
- Company‐funded Private Medical Healthcare
- Double matched pension (up to 10%)
- 35 days holiday
- A quarterly allowance to purchase our delicious ciders and beers! (Low and no alcohol options available)
- Comprehensive opportunities to develop
You’ll also get the opportunity to get involved with one of our colleague networks, where groups of colleagues from all over the business work together to ensure we’re always working towards being a diverse and inclusive company.
Our Ways of Working
Heineken’s Global Purpose is to "brew the Joy of True Togetherness to inspire a better world", and to fulfil this, we believe in working closely with each other and collaborating face‐to‐face when we can. To enable this, we ask colleagues to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and one other day of the colleague’s choice.
The Application
If you like what you’ve read and are ready to brew a better career with us, let’s get going! Together with your application, please provide a cover letter outlining why we should want to meet you and what you would bring to HEINEKEN. We may close vacancies early where we receive lots of applications, so don’t delay!
If you need any adjustments made to support your application, for example, if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues, then we’re more than happy to review our processes – please feel free to get in touch with us at recruitment@heineken.co.uk.
Who We Are
We’re the world’s most international brewer and the name behind a host of brilliant beers and ciders, from Birra Moretti to Strongbow, to Cruzcampo and many more. It’s a fantastic time to join us. We’re leading the way in low and no alcohol innovation, pioneering new technologies to meet our ambitious environmental goals and investing in our pubs to keep them at the centre of their communities.
When you join us, we’ll back you to reach your full potential. You’ll enjoy unique development opportunities, unforgettable experiences and a reward package that goes far beyond the salary you receive.
If you want to hear more about life at HEINEKEN from our colleagues, head over to LinkedIn and check out the hashtag #LifeatHEINEKENUK. There’s no better place to untap your future. Join us and brew a better career.
Procurement Category Specialist – Hybrid (Edinburgh) employer: The HEINEKEN Company
Contact Detail:
The HEINEKEN Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Specialist – Hybrid (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experience. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Specialist – Hybrid (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on showcasing your relevant procurement experience, especially in FMCG or the drinks sector. We want to see how your background can contribute to our goals, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your skills and experiences. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The HEINEKEN Company
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in FMCG and the drinks sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven cost savings in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves collaborating with various teams, so be prepared to share experiences where you've effectively worked with different stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built strong relationships across departments.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The company values proactive problem solvers. Think of instances where you've taken ownership of issues and driven them to resolution. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your actions.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's Evergreen 2030 strategy and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences can contribute to their goals. Showing that you understand their long-term vision will set you apart from other candidates.