At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct procurement.
- Company: Join Zertus UK & Ireland, a leader in the FMCG sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, car allowance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beloved brands while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement leadership experience and strong negotiation skills required.
As Head of Procurement (Directs), you'll provide day-to-day leadership for our direct procurement function, leading a team of experienced category and procurement professionals while developing and executing sourcing strategies that support our commercial and operational objectives.,
Leading, developing and inspiring a team of procurement specialists and category leaders.
Creating and delivering the UK & Ireland direct materials procurement strategy.
Deputising for the Procurement Director where required.
Driving cost savings, PPV delivery, rebate opportunities and working capital improvements.
Building strategic supplier partnerships to improve quality, innovation, service and sustainability.
Managing commodity and category strategies across key raw material spend areas.
Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Technical, Commercial and Finance teams to drive business performance.
Supporting innovation projects through effective sourcing and supplier collaboration.
Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks while maintaining continuity of supply.
Representing the business externally through supplier relationships, industry forums and market engagement.
Ensuring strong governance, contract coverage and procurement best practice across the function.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced procurement leader looking to make a significant impact within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
Ideally, you'll have:
Significant procurement leadership experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, consumer goods or a related sector.
Experience leading and developing high-performing procurement or category management teams.
Proven experience creating and executing procurement or category strategies.
Strong direct materials, commodity buying and category management expertise.
Demonstrable commercial negotiation and supplier management experience.
Experience operating within complex manufacturing environments.
A track record of delivering cost savings, value creation and business improvement initiatives.
Experience influencing and engaging senior stakeholders up to board level.
Experience supporting business transformation, growth or change programmes.
Degree, CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement qualification desirable.
What will make you successful?
Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
Strong leadership, coaching and team development capability.
Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation expertise.
Strategic thinking balanced with the ability to deliver operational results.
Resilience and confidence when operating in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
The ability to influence across multiple business functions and levels.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
A passion for continuous improvement, innovation and personal development.
Zertus UK & Ireland | Hybrid (UK) with UK and occasional international travel
Love the idea of influencing the ingredients and raw materials behind some of the UK's most loved chocolate and snacking brands? We're looking for a commercially-minded, people-focused Head of Procurement (Directs) to take ownership of our direct materials sourcing strategy across Zertus UK & Ireland. Leading a talented team of procurement professionals, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our factories have the materials they need to create products enjoyed by millions of consumers across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Competitive salary plus 15% annual bonus plan and car allowance.
25 days annual leave plus
Head of Procurement (Directs) in Cranwell employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the confectionery industry. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development, including training and qualifications, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive healthcare cash plan. Located in Fakenham, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a meaningful career in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement (Directs) in Cranwell
✨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 Zertus UK & Ireland.
✨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 Head of Procurement (Directs) in Cranwell
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 Zertus UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Zertus UK & Ireland. 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 Zertus UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨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 Zertus UK & Ireland!
✨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 Zertus UK & Ireland. 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 Zertus UK & Ireland's culture.
