At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to drive value for the business.
- Company: Join a well-known food manufacturing company with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, and a health & wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain or related field and three years' experience in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a recognisable and established food manufacturing business on the appointment of a Strategic Procurement Specialist. As the Strategic Procurement Specialist, you will take ownership of supplier management and compliance across the business, ensuring robust contracts, strong commercial relationships and a structured, value-driven approach to third-party spend.
Benefits
- Hybrid working & Flexible working
- Learning and development opportunities to support your career
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Contributory company pension
- Life Assurance
- Health & Wellbeing programme
The role
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements to secure favourable terms and conditions.
- Lead the Group-wide supplier consolidation initiative and establish a preferred supplier framework for non-centralised expenditure.
- Ensure all critical services and products are governed by up-to-date, compliant contractual agreements.
- Support business units in onboarding new suppliers, including conducting risk assessments, managing tender processes, performing due diligence, and executing contracts with defined performance metrics.
- Maintain and manage the Group's third-party supplier register.
- Perform periodic audits of new supplier engagements to ensure adherence to internal procurement policies.
- Review expenditure to confirm alignment with Group frameworks and value-for-money principles (e.g. corporate travel).
- Support GDPR and data protection compliance by maintaining relevant operational policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and develop procurement strategies that deliver measurable value.
- Produce regular reports on cost savings, supplier performance, and overall procurement effectiveness.
Ideally
- Degree-qualified in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of three years' experience in a similar role within food manufacturing or a related industry.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities effectively.
- High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and sound commercial awareness.
- Proven negotiation capability with a results-driven mindset.
For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!
Group Procurement Specialist in Belfast employer: Vickerstock
Vickerstock is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a well-established food manufacturing business. With benefits such as hybrid and flexible working, extensive learning and development opportunities, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, employees are empowered to grow their careers while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Procurement Specialist in Belfast
✨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 Vickerstock.
✨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 Group Procurement Specialist in Belfast
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 Vickerstock:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨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 Vickerstock!
✨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 Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock's culture.
