LOCAL CATEGORY SPECIALIST

Asahi International; Woking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company that is committed to sustainable procurement and innovation in the beverage industry. As a key player in the procurement team, you will support the implementation of category strategies and drive sourcing initiatives that align with business needs. Your role will involve analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, where your contributions will help shape the future of premium beer brands. If you are passionate about sustainability and excellence, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in sourcing strategy and supplier relationship management.
• Strong stakeholder management and market analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Support local category manager in executing sourcing initiatives.
• Build relationships with suppliers and manage performance controls.

Skills

Sourcing Strategy

Stakeholder Management

Market Analysis

Supplier Relationship Management

Contract Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Procurement Certification

Tools

Data Analysis Tools

Procurement Software

Job description

Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition.

Company overview

Asahi Europe & International is part of Asahi Group Holdings, a global beer, spirits, soft drinks and food group with leading positions in European and Asia-Pacific markets, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in multiple markets and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world.

Functional overview

The purpose of Asahi Procurement is to safeguard the existing value and to unlock new sources of sustainable value for Asahi, our customers, and the planet. This is done through partnering with Asahi business stakeholders and a high-performing supplier network.

Main purpose of the job

Support the implementation of the category strategy locally and execute local sourcing initiatives with the objective to drive sustainable procurement value, and manage risks and stakeholders.

Accountabilities and deliverables

• Support the local category manager in implementing category strategy for efficient sourcing aligned to business needs / priorities striving for operational and transactional excellence.
• Perform analysis using internal as well as external data to understand impact of market trends, competitors and suppliers on internal business requirements.
• Build relationships with selected suppliers, manage them actively and execute performance / quality controls.
• Ensure in cooperation with relevant functions (e.g. Legal, Tax) that contracts with suppliers are in place.
• Execute sourcing initiatives representing own market by sharing local requirements (business and legal), insights on country market and identifying potential suppliers.
• Manage selected local sub-categories and Purchase Requisitions by clarifying specifications, selecting, engaging and negotiating with suppliers while driving Procurement's CSR and sustainability agenda.
• Act as subject matter expert for verifying purchase requests, specifications and buying channel as well as ensuring efficient purchasing process.
• Act as agent for good governance ensuring full compliance with policies and processes. Support local category manager in appropriate risk management.
• Support local category manager in delivering against targets/KPI, monitor & track results, initiate actions in case of any deviations.
• Manage relationship with POC team ensuring business needs are met according to SLAs.
• Act as change agent for continuous improvement and value creation by identifying and addressing improvement areas.

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.