Category Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food supply sector is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager. This role involves managing the procurement strategy for UK and Europe, negotiating supplier contracts, and ensuring effective collaboration with various teams. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, knowledge of supply markets, and the ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.

Qualifications

• Some experience in Buying Packaging and non-Food categories preferred.
• Knowledge of UK/European supply markets.
• Strong negotiator with experience in Supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers for UK and Europe, ensuring contract compliance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and manage category reporting.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Supply Chain teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree level

Job description

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En Route International operates globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers. With offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE, En Route supplies premium baked goods, meals and snacks to the travel industry. We focus on partnering with world-class manufacturers, customising products and packaging to suit individual customer needs while managing a complex supply chain with the highest levels of precision.

Job purpose

Reporting to a Category Manager, you will manage the Procurement you will manage the suppliers for UK and Europe. Taking a category management approach, you will support the Procurement team in delivering the Procurement strategy for UK & Europe, creating a supply base fit for purpose in meeting En Route’s growth objectives.

Key responsibilities

• For the Categories under your control;
• To work with the Procurement team in developing and implementing a clear supply base strategy to deliver En Route’s requirements in UK & Europe, aligned with the global strategy
• To manage the UK & European Supply base on a day-to-day basis ensuring all relationships, commercials and opportunities are complete and delivered
• To negotiate and manage Contracts and Terms with Suppliers
• To identify, implement and monitor opportunities to improve cost savings, project deliverables and supplier selection, reporting progress on a regular basis
• To work collaboratively with Product Development and Supply Chain teams to support the creation of innovative product solutions and their distribution in an efficient and cost effective manner
• To manage the Supplier listing and start-up process, category reporting and category action plans
• To take a proactive approach in understanding the markets in which En Route operates, identifying Procurement opportunities and risks and taking appropriate and timely action in coordination with the P&SC Director
• To work closely with the Supply Chain teams to ensure terms and conditions agreed with Suppliers support the maintenance of excellent product availability, ensuring strong levels of customer service

Our Values

Created by En-Route colleagues, our values are at the very heart of our business.

Collaborate; multi functional teams drive successful projects here, we trust each other to achieve our mission. Together we are En-Route

Say it as it is: We have a point of view based on our expertise. We express ourselves honestly to create meaningful conversations.

Find a way; With a clear vision of the end-state, we relish the thrill of uncovering bold, unconventional paths to get there.

Own it; Leadership is defined by initiative and responsibility. We have autonomy, tools and guidance, and we make impactful decisions from any position.

Represent the customer; As an extension of their business, we live their lives and understand their everyday challenges. We do what’s right by them in every action we take.

Person Specification

Knowledge and skills

• Some experience of Buying Packaging and non-Food categories preferred
• Knowledge of the UK and/or European supply markets
• A strong negotiator with demonstrated ability to develop and manage sustainable Supplier relationships
• Comfortable with the negotiation, development and management of Supplier Contracts
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks across Food and non-Food categories
• Evidence of strong collaboration with other functions
• Ability to travel as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Specific aptitudes / skills

• Educated to Degree level preferred