Procurement Manager

AF Blakemore & Son Ltd; Willenhall; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail and wholesale business is seeking a Procurement Manager in Willenhall. You will manage a spend of approximately £11 million and drive supply chain improvements. The ideal candidate has a degree in business or related field, alongside experience in procurement or similar roles. Benefits include competitive salary, 34 days holiday, and flexible working hours.

Benefits

34 days holiday per year including public holidays

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Flexible working hours

Additional benefits including staff discounts and pension scheme

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in procurement or similar roles.
• Proven track record in managing supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical skills to support decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of goods and services.
• Drive supply chain performance improvements.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Procurement strategy

Market trend analysis

Education

Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Supplier management software

Contract management systems

Job description

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Hybrid working based out of Willenhall; Wolverhampton

Company Overview:

We are a dynamic and innovative retail, wholesale and foodservice business, committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of industry trends. Our company owns 247 SPAR convenience stores and employs over 5,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.

About Us:

AF Blakemore is one of the largest and most forward-thinking family-owned businesses in the UK. With a passion for food, the company operates across the UK food sector at retail and wholesale levels, delivering exceptional products and experiences. With a history spanning over 100 years, we pride ourselves on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Procurement Manager to join our team.

You will be responsible for managing a spend of circa £11 million, covering approximately 11 sub-commodity areas, reporting to our Head of Procurement - Indirect.

• Managing and supporting procurement of goods and services within Facilities Maintenance and Capex.
• Driving improvements in supply chain performance through liaison and negotiation with stakeholders, including suppliers, colleagues, and customers.
• Delivering benefits such as cost avoidance, cost savings, and process improvements.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and gain buy-in.
• Managing and developing supplier relationships to deliver value across quality, service, innovation, cost, and environmental targets.
• Maintaining supplier relationships and using contract management techniques to support profitability by obtaining value for goods and services aligned with business goals.
• Supporting internal stakeholders with supplier challenges.
• Remaining current with market trends through supplier relationships.
• Identifying, mitigating, and monitoring risks.
• Monitoring safety stock levels and establishing order policies to balance inventory with investment.
• Supporting supplier tenders and commercial negotiations.
• Managing end-to-end procurement initiatives to drive commercial benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaising with stakeholders to determine product and service needs.
• Monitoring market trends to pay competitive prices without sacrificing quality or delivery.
• Limiting non-contractual spend and driving corrective actions.
• Nurturing supplier relationships to negotiate best prices and ensure performance.
• Researching potential new suppliers.
• Managing supplier contracts, rate card control, and sustainability profiling.
• Conducting regular supplier performance reviews.
• Leading projects to reduce procurement costs and improve supplier flexibility and delivery.
• Maintaining cost reduction programs.
• Driving continuous improvement and policy thinking across categories.
• Inspiring confidence amidst change and uncertainty.
• Researching new products and services to meet company goals.
• Analyzing current and potential suppliers and processes, developing strategic alliances.
• Tracking price and supply trends across divisions.
• Supporting cost reduction through process improvements.
• Maintaining KPIs to demonstrate process effectiveness and identify opportunities.
• Reporting supplier performance monthly and aligning activities with business strategy.
• Collaborating with other category controllers to maximize ROI and environmental improvements.
• Monitoring and reporting on supplier performance and compliance.
• Supporting tender processes and managing administrative documentation.
• Implementing supply and process changes and maintaining supplier relations.
• Ensuring health and safety responsibilities are met as per company policy.
• Providing analytical data and support as needed.
• Communicating and reviewing supplier performance regularly.

What’s in it for you?

You will play a vital role in our business, impacting our success. We offer excellent training, support, and development, along with a competitive salary and superb benefits:

• 34 days holiday per year including public holidays (increasing after 3, 5, and 10 years).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Opportunities for skill development in a supportive, diverse culture.
• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Flexible working hours.
• Additional benefits including early pay access, staff discounts, wellbeing support, pension scheme, holiday purchase scheme, and long service awards.