Procurement Manager - Chocolate & Ingredients

Zertus UK & Ireland; North Kesteven; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery company is seeking a Procurement Manager to spearhead sourcing for chocolate and ingredients. This role requires strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with experience in FMCG procurement being essential. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid model and lead a team while developing supplier relationships. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Annual bonus up to 10%

Pension with employer contributions

Health Care Cash Plan

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Family-friendly policies

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• A passion for chocolate and ingredients with a strategic mindset.
• Experience in global purchasing and commodity management.
• Strong supplier negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategy for chocolate and ingredients.
• Manage a team of two, focusing on supplier performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders for procurement goals.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic mindset

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

MCIPs Qualified

Tools

Mintec

Power BI

e-sourcing platforms

Job description

Overview

Procurement Manager (Chocolate & Ingredients) – Zertus UK & Ireland (Humdinger, Kinnerton Confectionery & Lir Chocolates) - Hybrid

Position type: Permanent; Full-time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Pay range: £50,000 - £60,000

Location: We have manufacturing sites and offices across the UK & Ireland, including Heckington (Lincolnshire), Bromborough (Wirral), Fakenham (Norfolk), Hull (East Yorkshire), Navan (Meath, Ireland) and Sherburn in Elmet (Leeds). The role involves travel to UK & Irish sites, international supplier visits and internal meetings. Hybrid working is welcomed and base location can be discussed during interview.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategy for chocolate and ingredients across UK&I, demonstrating deep market knowledge and commercial acumen.
• Manage a team of two (Category Buyer and Procurement Analyst) with direct responsibility for the Buyer.
• Develop sourcing plans and supplier relationships across the categories.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance using tools like Mintec, Power BI, and e-sourcing platforms.
• Travel internationally for trade shows and supplier sites.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, and NPD.
• Participate in quarterly team get-togethers with team building and training events.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement and contribute to group-wide initiatives.
• Proven experience in the procurement of raw materials within an FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• A passion for chocolate and ingredients with a strategic mindset.
• Global purchasing, commodity and category management experience.
• Contract law exposure.
• Experience with procurement tools and data platforms (Mintec, Power BI, e-sourcing).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• MCIPs Qualified.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and manage stakeholders at all levels.
• Decisive with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent supplier negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel across the UK, Ireland and internationally.
• People management experience with the ability to inspire and develop other procurement professionals.
• Hybrid working (a great combo of collaboration with stakeholders and quiet time).

Benefits

• Annual bonus of up to 10% – subject to meeting scheme criteria.
• Pension (4% Employer Contributions) & Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (physio, dental, optical care).
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme - buy up to one extra week per year (subject to criteria).
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Family-friendly policies including hybrid working and maternity/paternity leave above statutory minimum.
• Annual engagement calendar, volunteering days and wellbeing events.
• Monthly employee recognition via the Zertus Values Awards.
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards.
• Training and development opportunities (Leadership courses, external qualifications, professional memberships).

Zertus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Your application will be reviewed and, if successful, you will be contacted by our Recruitment or HR Team. The selection process may involve a two-stage interview.

Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is protected by data protection laws and will be used to inform adjustments.