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- Tasks: Lead procurement of raw materials and develop purchasing strategies in a global ingredients business.
- Company: Join a global ingredients company known for quality and strong supplier partnerships.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with visibility across the business and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-responsibility role with strategic and operational elements.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement, experience in food-related sectors, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the purchasing team of a global ingredients business on a hybrid basis. Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, this is a high-impact role offering both strategic responsibility and team leadership within a well-established function. The business operates at scale, sourcing large volumes of raw materials from global markets to support a diverse food customer base. Known for its quality and strong supplier partnerships, it offers a collaborative environment with clear opportunities for growth and development.
The Role
- You will take ownership of the procurement of key raw materials on a global basis, alongside selected indirect categories.
- Leading a team of three, you’ll play a central role in shaping sourcing strategy, maintaining strong supplier relationships, and ensuring continuity of supply in a dynamic market.
- A key part of the role will be developing and delivering the annual purchasing plan in line with the wider procurement strategy, identifying cost-saving and value-adding opportunities across ingredients, packaging, equipment, and services.
- You’ll also monitor market trends and commodity pricing, proactively managing both risks and opportunities.
- This role offers a genuine balance of strategic input and hands-on operational delivery, with strong visibility across the wider business.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage procurement of high-volume raw materials from global suppliers.
- Develop and implement purchasing strategy and annual procurement plans.
- Lead and develop a team of three procurement professionals.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier and stakeholder relationships.
- Negotiate and manage supply agreements to ensure continuity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Monitor commodity markets and supplier performance to manage risk and drive value.
- Identify and deliver cost optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, systems, and financial controls.
- Track and report on purchasing performance, including savings and KPIs.
- Work cross-functionally with supply chain, technical, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
- Lead or support category management and cross-functional projects.
About You
- Minimum 10 years’ procurement experience within large, complex organisations.
- Strong track record managing significant spend and global supplier bases.
- Experience in ingredients, commodities, or food-related procurement (ESSENTIAL – only candidates with this experience will be considered).
- Previous team management or leadership experience.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery.
- Experience managing market volatility and supplier risk.
- Confident communicator, able to influence and build credibility across the business.
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into an important purchasing role within a global organisation that truly values its people. You’ll have the autonomy to make an impact, lead a capable team, and further develop your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Purchasing Manager employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Purchasing Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We suggest you come armed with examples of how you've managed supplier relationships and driven cost savings in your previous roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in ingredients or food-related sectors, to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this opportunity. Share examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led teams in the past, and connect those experiences to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, don’t just list your responsibilities; demonstrate your strategic impact. Talk about how you’ve developed purchasing strategies or identified cost-saving opportunities in previous roles to catch our attention.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity within our global team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in ingredients and commodities. Be ready to discuss your experience managing significant spend and global supplier bases, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team of three, it's important to highlight your previous team management experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same in this role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a balance of strategic input and operational delivery. Be prepared to discuss how you've shaped sourcing strategies in the past and how you can identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring quality and continuity of supply.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
As a confident communicator, focus on building credibility during the interview. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their supplier relationships and market trends, showing that you're genuinely interested in the company's success.