Procurement Category Managers (2 roles): 1) Ambient/Dry and 2) Fresh Produce

Competitive Salary Performance based Bonus 25 days holiday + Bank holidays Pension scheme, YuLife Health & wellbeing, EAP, discounts

Reports to: Commercial Director

Location: Woods Foodservice at Uxbridge with flexibility for occasional travel

Here at Woods Foodservice, we are known as a market leader in the quality sector of the food hospitality industry. We provide high-quality ambient, chilled, fresh, and frozen produce from around the world and supply some of the most prestigious chefs in the country. Our aim is to provide customer service excellence with every order and to stock the most innovative and unique range of fine, specialist and staple products, tailored for the quality sector of the market.

At present, most of our customers are London-based, but we have already begun the expansion process into other major UK cities such as Manchester, Brighton and Bristol. The future is very promising!

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement category strategies – focus on food, fine food with standard/economy products: 1st role= Ambient/Dry/Chilled. 2nd role: Fresh Produce. Always ensure we are on track to hit companywide KPIs.
• Source premium and fine food and ingredients new products and ensure they are in line with company core values and commercial strategy.
• Set up annual range review plan with improvement in quality of offering.
• Attend relative exhibitions/conferences/trade shows to assist with sourcing and product innovation.
• Supplier relationship building and managing including pro-actively managing supplier performance.
• Source products directly from manufacturer/growers at source.
• Set up new products and suppliers, in line with policy and SOPs requirements.
• Determine pricing strategies, price lists, target profit margins.
• Decide which products are to be premium/fine food and which are to be economy ‘key value products’ to be bought in at the lowest possible price.
• Determine which products are storyline products of utmost quality and which products are standard products.
• Complete Tenders, evaluate bids.
• Negotiate and agree SLAs with suppliers re. value, delivery schedules, quality.
• Ensure security in the range and have awareness of current and potential factors contributing to the disruption/ security of supply.
• Forecast levels of demand for products and sales, with cashflow in mind in quieter months.
• Ensure maximum benefit from buying groups, taking advantage of terms and promotions.
• Engage with buying groups and provide feedback to them on what suppliers and terms could be more beneficial to us as a business.
• Build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers, making sure they are aware of business objectives.
• Assessing the impact of seasonality on the range offering, including the impact on pricing and promotions.
• Present information to the Management Team on market analysis and possible growth opportunities.
• Analyse spend and other relevant data, and produce reports and statistics on procurement activities.
• Keep up to date with trends and innovations, regulation and new technology that can impact the business.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers, manufacturers, internal teams including operational buying/stock replenishment, customer service, business relations and marketing.

Requirements

• For Procurement Category Manager role Fresh Produce - must have Fresh Produce experience, ideally foodservice.
• For Procurement Category Manager role Ambient/Dry/Chilled - must have foodservice experience.
• Proven experience in procurement category management, sourcing and purchasing fine food and premium food and ingredients products.
• Post-Secondary relevant qualification e.g. University degree in Business, Supply Chain Management.
• Certification from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) would be a plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with colleagues and suppliers.
• Strong Commercial acumen including identifying business opportunities, food innovation, keeps up to date with and monitors competitor, market and industry information and trends.
• Financial acumen in terms of profit and loss. Develop and execute account plans to achieve revenue, margins and other KPI targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a pro-active approach to address customer needs and concerns.
• Very good organization and planning skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software, with the ability to generate reports and analyse data to inform decision-making.
• Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK and hold a valid UK Driving License.

Working at Woods Foodservice means you’ll be working alongside a real team-spirited group of people. We value honesty, integrity and big ideas and ensure that work-life balance is enjoyed by all. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that values and respects difference combined with creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all staff.

We provide the tools and support necessary to ensure our teams remain passionate about their work and deliver excellence throughout their career with us. We are big on learning & development and consistently strive to identify upcoming talent in-house. If you’re willing to work hard and looking for a long-term career opportunity, this could be the role for you!

We always aim to live Wood Foodservice company values of Innovation, Adaptability, Positivity and Sustainability. You’ll be joining a family business where hard work and dedication is highly rewarded. Come Join Us!

Due to the expected high volume of applicants, unfortunately we are not able to reply to all applicants - we will contact you if your skills, experience and background most closely suit our role. Thank you in advance for your interest in Woods Foodservice Ltd.