Procuement Manager – European Freight

White Recruitment Construction; England; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Commercial & Procurement Manager to lead procurement activities in beverage logistics. This strategic role, based in Thurrock, will involve managing supplier relationships, leading procurement processes for European transport, and ensuring compliance. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of experience, a degree in related fields, and strong leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £80,000 and hybrid work flexibility.

Benefits

Car allowance

Hybrid working flexibility

Competitive package

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in procurement/commercial management, ideally in European freight.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing high-value contracts.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for EU transport and freight.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships across European routes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement or related field

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Commercial & Procurement Manager – European Freight (Beverage Logistics)
Location: Thurrock, UK (Hybrid: 2 days home / 3 days office)
Salary: Up to £80,000 + car allowance + package

We are seeking a Commercial & Procurement Manager to take ownership of all commercial and procurement activities across our European transport operations, with a focus on intermodal, short sea, and road freight. This role is exclusively focused on beverage logistics, including wines, beer, and spirits. This is a strategic position for a commercially-minded professional who can drive cost-efficiencies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance and transparency in all processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for EU transport and freight within the beverage sector, including tendering, supplier selection, and contract negotiation.
• Develop and implement procurement and commercial strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships across European routes, monitor performance, and ensure capacity and service availability.
• Conduct market analysis, pricing strategies, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, Operations) to support commercial decision-making.
• Lead and develop the team, reporting performance, risks, and opportunities to senior management.
• Oversee procurement for intermodal, short sea, and road freight operations, ensuring efficiency and profitability.

Requirements

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field; CIPS or equivalent preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in procurement/commercial management, ideally in European freight and intermodal/short sea operations.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing high-value contracts.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa).
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience specifically in beverage logistics (wine, beer, spirits) across Europe.
• Understanding of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

Travel

• Extensive travel across Europe (60%) and the UK (40%).

If you’re ready to lead procurement and commercial strategy in a dynamic beverage logistics environment, with hybrid working flexibility and a competitive package, apply today.

WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit UK wide for permanent and contract jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Tagged as: beverage logistics, European road, Freight Forwarding, procurment manager