Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement of raw materials and packaging in a dynamic food business.
- Company: Innovative food company known for quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Supportive culture, career development, and collaboration with top brands.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and food safety knowledge.
- Other info: Join a team that values creativity, inclusivity, and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-established and growing food business is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to join its team. This exciting, innovative business partners with leading global food brands, foodservice operators, manufacturers and more to deliver innovative, plant-led ingredient solutions. Known for quality, creativity and responsiveness, the business has built a strong reputation within the sector.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional to take ownership of raw material and packaging spend within a fast-paced, quality-driven food manufacturing environment. Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for the end-to-end procurement of raw materials, ingredients and packaging. You will lead supplier relationships, drive cost efficiencies, manage risk and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.
You will have two direct reports (a Buyer and Buyer Administrator) and your key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with business goals
- Managing and negotiating supplier contracts to secure best value and service
- Overseeing inventory levels to balance availability and waste reduction
- Working closely with Technical, Production and Finance teams on forecasting and budgeting
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, labelling and sustainability standards
- Monitoring supplier performance and driving continuous improvement
- Leading and developing the purchasing team
- Managing supply chain challenges and mitigating risk
This is a hands-on yet strategic role with significant cross-functional collaboration. We are keen to hear from people who have:
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience in purchasing/procurement, ideally within fresh produce or food manufacturing.
- Understanding the seasonality and short-shelf life nature of products is key for this role.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Experience managing seasonal products and supply volatility
- A sound understanding of food safety and quality standards
- Strong analytical and organisational capability
- Experience using ERP or inventory management systems
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence internally and externally
This business prides itself on fostering an open, collaborative and inclusive culture, with a strong commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. It offers a supportive management team and genuine opportunity for long-term career development. If you are a proactive Purchasing Manager looking to join a forward-thinking food business with strong values and growth ambition, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Procurement Manager in Nottingham employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food business events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to procurement and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best value. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing and procurement, especially within food manufacturing or fresh produce. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in supplier management and cost efficiencies that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your negotiation and contract management skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can drive value and service, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and procurement, such as cost savings, inventory turnover rates, and supplier performance indicators. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the financial impact of your role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Think about how you secured better terms or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and how it aligns with the company's goals of driving cost efficiencies and managing risk.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant food safety and regulatory standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the new position. This knowledge is crucial for demonstrating your fit for a quality-driven food manufacturing environment.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully partnered with technical, production, or finance teams to achieve common goals, especially in forecasting and budgeting.