Procurement Manager

Pod Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Pod Talent is seeking a Procurement Manager in London with hybrid work patterns (2 days WFH) to lead strategic sourcing, supplier relationships and procurement transformation for a fast‑growing food manufacturer. You will shape category strategies, manage risk and develop a high‑performing procurement team across a global supplier base.

The role requires significant FMCG or consumer products procurement experience, strong leadership and a proven ability to deliver commercial value through

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead procurement teams and develop talent.
• Strong track record in strategic sourcing and delivering commercial value.
• Experience managing supplier relationships at senior levels.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder influencing skills.
• Solid understanding of procurement risk and supply continuity.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement and category strategies aligned with growth and resilience.
• Lead and coach a team of procurement professionals to high performance.
• Build strategic supplier partnerships to drive performance, innovation and cost optimisation.
• Deliver value through negotiations, savings programmes and governance of suppliers.
• Own procurement risk management and continuity plans for key ingredients and suppliers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support innovation and growth initiatives.

Skills

People leadership

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Stakeholder influence

Risk management

Job description

Procurement Manager - London (2 days WFH) - Up to £75,000

Our client is a high-growth, category-leading food manufacturer supplying customers across multiple international markets. Known for its innovation, premium product offering and strong sustainability credentials, the business continues to experience significant growth and is investing in its supply chain and procurement capabilities to support future expansion. With an entrepreneurial culture and ambitious growth plans, this is an opportunity to join a business where procurement is viewed as a strategic driver of competitive advantage.

We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management and procurement transformation initiatives across a global supply base. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain & Procurement, you will play a key role in shaping category strategies, managing supply risk, driving commercial value and developing a high-performing procurement team.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute procurement and category strategies that support business growth, resilience and long-term value creation
• Lead, coach and develop a team of procurement professionals, creating a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, sustainability and cost optimisation initiatives
• Deliver commercial value through effective negotiations, savings programmes, risk mitigation and supplier governance
• Own procurement risk management activities, ensuring continuity of supply and robust mitigation plans across key ingredients, packaging and suppliers
• Partner with stakeholders across the business to support innovation projects, process improvements and future growth initiatives

What we are looking for:

• Significant procurement experience within FMCG, food manufacturing or a related consumer products environment
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to coach, mentor and develop procurement talent
• Strong strategic sourcing and category management expertise, with a track record of delivering commercial value and business impact
• Excellent supplier relationship management, negotiation and stakeholder influencing skills, including experience working with senior leaders
• Strong understanding of procurement risk management, supply continuity and global sourcing, combined with a proactive and continuous improvement mindset

The company is unfortunately not able to sponsor, candidates must have full permanent right to work in the UK.