Role Purpose
The Direct Procurement Manager will lead all sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management activities across the company’s direct procurement categories, ensuring supply security, cost efficiency, and compliance with governance, sustainability, and Group Procurement standards.
This is a senior leadership position within the Procurement Department, requiring strong commercial acumen, analytical ability, and a proactive approach to supplier and stakeholder management.
The role covers a broad range of categories including Corrugated Cardboard, Ingredients, Plastic Trays, Film, Production Plastics, and Transport Packaging. Responsibilities also extend to Governance & Compliance, Data Analysis & Reporting, Tenders & Cost-Saving Projects, Supplier Management, Contract Management, Market Analysis, and Stock Control. This is a permanent role, 3 days a week on site, 2 from home.
A key component of the role is the leadership of the internal Stock Control Team (seven staff), ensuring best-in-class practices for inventory accuracy, traceability, and reporting across warehouse and production environments. The Direct Procurement Manager will ensure full alignment between procurement, production, and logistics functions to maintain operational excellence.
This position will also support Group Procurement collaboration, MRP and process improvements, departmental reporting, and sustainability planning. The role involves coordinating seasonal initiatives (e.g., BBQ and Winter Management) and participating in cross‑functional meetings to maintain strategic alignment with business and group objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement
* Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business and Group Procurement objectives.
* Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and currency impacts to enable data‑driven purchasing decisions.
* Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvements through structured tenders, negotiations, and supplier development.
Supplier Management & Governance
* Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
* Lead supplier approval, onboarding, and performance reviews in line with company governance standards.
* Oversee supplier contracts, renewals, and governance documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Operational Delivery
* Plan, forecast, and execute purchasing requirements in collaboration with Production, Finance, and Planning.
* Maintain accurate data and reporting within ERP and BI systems (NAV, QlikSense, Excel).
* Drive continuous improvement in cost control, inventory management, and payment terms.
* Lead, develop, and support the Stock Control Team to ensure efficient warehouse and stock operations across multiple sites.
* Develop and report on sustainability initiatives and supply‑chain efficiency projects.
Leadership & Collaboration
* Work closely with the Head of Procurement to align strategies with group‑wide initiatives.
* Collaborate cross‑functionally with Finance, QA, Supply Chain, and Sustainability teams.
* Contribute to departmental projects such as delegated authority, spend governance, and supplier sustainability programs.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong negotiation, influencing, and contract management skills.
* Excellent analytical and numerical ability.
* Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency (Excel Super User).
* Proven ability to work independently, use initiative, and deliver results under pressure.
* Effective communicator with strong stakeholder engagement and presentation skills.
* Highly organised with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum 3 years’ procurement experience, ideally in FMCG, food manufacturing, or logistics.
* Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline (CIPS qualification desirable).
* Proven success in achieving cost savings, supplier performance improvements, and operational efficiencies.
* ERP experience (NAV, SAP, or similar) preferred.
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