At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- 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.
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
- Owning and strengthening stakeholder relationships across Breweries, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations
- Acting as a proactive interface between the business, suppliers and Global Procurement
- Maintaining strong contract management and operational governance, ensuring contracts remain valid and materials are correctly set up for call‐off
- Supporting the business through change, as elements of Direct Materials activity transition into Procurement Excellence hubs
- Taking ownership of issues, driving them through to resolution and ensuring continuity is never compromised
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
At HEINEKEN, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Edinburgh location provides a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as a discretionary annual bonus, private medical healthcare, and generous holiday allowances. We are committed to employee growth, providing unique development opportunities and a supportive environment where you can thrive in your procurement career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Specialist – Hybrid (Edinburgh)
✨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 The HEINEKEN Company.
✨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 Category Specialist – Hybrid (Edinburgh)
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 The HEINEKEN Company:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The HEINEKEN Company. 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 The HEINEKEN Company.
How to prepare for a job interview at The HEINEKEN Company
✨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 The HEINEKEN Company!
✨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 The HEINEKEN Company. 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 The HEINEKEN Company's culture.
