Procurement Manager

Compass Group UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Foodbuy, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to join the Commercial Sales Team. Based in London or Chertsey with hybrid working, the role leads strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and client-specific procurement strategies across a diverse client portfolio.

The role requires strong procurement expertise, excellent negotiation skills, and a client-focused, commercially driven approach to deliver measurable value and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong procurement/strategic sourcing experience in a commercially focused environment.
• Proven track record of delivering financial value, profitability or growth.
• Extensive experience managing sourcing projects and competitive tenders.
• Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship-management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of how procurement supports sales growth and client value.
• Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into practical commercial insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and tendering activity.
• Develop category and sourcing strategies using market intelligence, client requirements and commercial insight.
• Manage supplier selection, negotiation, contracting and implementation.
• Deliver procurement and commercial targets across the client portfolio.
• Develop innovative approaches that maximise value for both clients and Foodbuy.
• Identify opportunities to optimise and evolve the supplier base.
• Design and deliver client-specific procurement strategies aligned with wider business objectives.
• Lead structured, insight-led client reviews that demonstrate measurable commercial value.
• Identify opportunities for client growth, retention and additional value creation.
• Act as a trusted commercial partner, influencing client decision-making.
• Build strong, credible and long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement experience

Strategic sourcing

Supplier negotiation

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Job description

Procurement Manager

Location: Chertsey or London, hybrid working
Office requirement: Minimum two days per week
UK travel required

About Foodbuy

Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation and part of Compass Group UK & Ireland.

We bring together procurement expertise, commercial insight, supplier relationships and data-led decision-making to deliver measurable value for a diverse portfolio of clients. Working across Food, Retail and Services categories, our teams develop innovative commercial solutions that improve client outcomes, strengthen supplier partnerships and support sustainable business growth.

With more than £1 billion of managed spend across Foodbuy UK & Ireland and ambitious plans for the future, this is an exciting opportunity to influence commercial strategy and deliver meaningful results at scale.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Procurement Manager to join our Commercial Sales Team.

Operating at the intersection of procurement, sales and client strategy, you will lead high-value sourcing initiatives, manage complex supplier negotiations and develop client-specific procurement strategies.

You will be responsible for delivering measurable commercial value across our client portfolio. This will include identifying new opportunities, strengthening supplier partnerships, optimising commercial frameworks and translating procurement activity into clear client benefits and growth opportunities.

This is an influential role for someone who combines strong procurement expertise with a client-focused and commercially driven approach.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy and Delivery

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and tendering activity
• Develop category and sourcing strategies using market intelligence, client requirements and commercial insight
• Manage supplier selection, negotiation, contracting and implementation
• Deliver procurement and commercial targets across the client portfolio
• Develop innovative approaches that maximise value for both clients and Foodbuy
• Identify opportunities to optimise and evolve the supplier base

Client Value and Engagement

• Design and deliver client-specific procurement strategies aligned with wider business objectives
• Lead structured, insight-led client reviews that demonstrate measurable commercial value
• Identify opportunities for client growth, retention and additional value creation
• Act as a trusted commercial partner, influencing client decision-making
• Build strong, credible and long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders

Supplier Management

• Develop and deliver joint business plans with suppliers and manufacturers
• Build effective relationships across a broad and complex supplier base
• Maximise value through commercial frameworks, promotions and product-switching initiatives
• Lead complex supplier negotiations and tender activity
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, commercial terms and service delivery

Commercial Growth

• Work closely with Sales and Retention teams to support growth within existing client accounts
• Contribute to new business opportunities and client proposals
• Translate procurement activity into compelling commercial benefits
• Identify revenue-generating opportunities across Food, Retail and Services categories
• Support the wider commercial agenda through insight, innovation and effective execution

Collaboration and Insight

• Work collaboratively with Procurement, Finance, Marketing, Culinary and Operations teams
• Support the development of effective client-facing materials, campaigns and communications
• Use data and analytics to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• Translate complex information into clear recommendations and commercially compelling narratives
• Track, manage and report on performance against agreed targets

What We’re Looking For

• Strong procurement or strategic sourcing experience within a commercially focused environment
• A proven record of delivering financial value, profitability or growth targets
• Extensive experience of managing sourcing projects and competitive tenders
• Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship-management skills
• Strong commercial acumen and a clear understanding of how procurement supports sales growth and client value
• Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into practical commercial insight
• Experience across Food, Retail and/or Services categories
• Experience working with wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and a varied supplier base
• Confidence engaging with clients and influencing senior stakeholders
• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced and evolving environment
• A collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused approach

Why Join Foodbuy?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing procurement organisation where you can influence strategy, shape supplier relationships and deliver tangible commercial outcomes.

You will work across a varied client portfolio, lead significant procurement initiatives and collaborate with experienced teams across Foodbuy and Compass Group UK & Ireland.

If you are a strategic procurement professional who combines commercial drive with strong client and supplier engagement skills, we would love to hear from you.