At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate contracts to ensure operational efficiency.
- Company: A top FMCG food manufacturer with a strong presence across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while driving cost-saving initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within the food or FMCG sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A leading FMCG food manufacturer with multiple UK sites, is seeking a high-performing Operational & Indirects Procurement Manager to take end-to-end ownership of operational category spend.
In this pivotal role, the Procurement Manager will define and execute the sourcing strategy across operational goods and services, lead high-value contract negotiations, and drive continuous profit improvement initiatives.
You will act as a key commercial partner across site operations, technical teams, and executive leadership to secure long-term supply stability, robust service level agreements, and maximum value.
Key Responsibilities of the Procurement Manager include
- Sourcing Strategy & Supply
Security: Define and implement robust procurement sourcing strategies to guarantee full availability of target operational goods and services at highly competitive input costs.
- End-to-End Tendering & Negotiations: Lead complex tender processes from market mapping to award, negotiating contract terms and SLAs that deliver commercial value and long-term business stability.
- Profit Improvement Plan (PIP): Continuously develop and deliver the operational procurement PIP, driving cost-reduction initiatives and sustainable value creation across operational categories.
- Financial Oversight & Forecasting: Manage category budgets, produce accurate monthly forecasts, analyse cost variances, and implement corrective actions to hit financial targets.
- Executive & Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present compelling contract award recommendations to senior leadership, serving as a trusted advisor across the business.
- Supplier Performance & Cost
Recovery: Partner with site operational and technical teams to manage supplier relationships, resolve service and quality issues, and proactively recover non-conformance costs.
- What We Are Looking For
- Industry Experience: Proven operational or indirect procurement experience gained within a UK food / FMCG manufacturing or fast-moving supply chain environment.
- Commercial & P&L Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, budget tracking, financial modelling, and risk mitigation to drive bottom-line results.
- Negotiation & Influence: Demonstrated success in negotiating complex contract terms with suppliers, using structured influence to gain internal stakeholder buy-in.
- Self-Starter Mentality: High autonomy and drive; a proactive professional who takes ownership of outcomes and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Stakeholder Focus: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a strong appreciation for internal customers across site operations, technical, and executive teams.
- Analytical Precision: Proficient in data analysis, IT tools, and financial evaluation to drive evidence-based commercial decisions
Procurement Manager in Chessington employer: The Oval Partnership
Join a purpose-led B-Corp accredited FMCG manufacturing business that prioritises ethical practices and sustainability, offering you the chance to shape a brand-new ESG reporting function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth and autonomy, you'll have the opportunity to influence cross-functional teams and drive meaningful change within a globally renowned organisation. Experience a supportive work culture where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a team dedicated to making a positive global impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Chessington
✨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 Oval Partnership.
✨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 Chessington
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 Oval Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Oval Partnership. 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 Oval Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨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 Oval Partnership!
✨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 Oval Partnership. 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 Oval Partnership's culture.
