Procurement Manager, Food

Company Description

WSH is the parent company for leading brands operating in the catering and hospitality sectors. Our brands operate in diverse sectors, including:

• Public spaces - such as the Science Museum, St Pancras Champagne bar and Dublin Zoo
• Workspaces - from power stations to investment banks
• Education - primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities

A central support office provides financial, HR, IT, Supply Chain and other administrative services to the group companies each of whom retains its own personality and who operate across a number of catering and hospitality markets.

Recent acquisitions provide the group with new opportunities and include prestigious locations such as Musee Du Louvre in Paris and partnerships with established chefs such as Claus Meyers in Denmark.

Job Description

This role covers spend across all WSH operating companies in the UK and Ireland with possible scope to expand beyond the UK. Working with the Head of Food Procurement to define category strategies in-line with overall business objectives to add value, mitigate risk, drive cost savings, and deliver Second Nature (ESG) targets, this role has management and ownership of the 'fruit and veg' and 'bakery' categories.

Key accountabilities include:

• Working with HOF to define and execute category strategies and project pipeline in line with wider organisational strategy and operating company requirements, working with cross functional and operating business teams to successfully deliver these
• Category management in line with WSH supplier tiering system, ensuring tier 1 & 2 suppliers are meeting business requirements set out in the WSH Supplier Code of conduct. Onboarding new suppliers where required
• Regular review meetings and joint business plans (JBPs) with core suppliers
• Managing cost base effectively through price reviews and benchmarking processes and where needed, running end to end tender processes
• Drafting, negotiating, and agreeing clear, concise, and complete contractual documentation where required. Working closely with the commercial finance team to ensure this activity meets the process (Enable) & timescale KPIs
• Establishing and maintaining an effective network of internal stakeholders across multiple functions (H&S, Supply Chain Technical and Quality Assurance, Operations, ESG) to support procurement objectives and aligned decision making as well continuously improving category specific standards and driving supplier compliance against these, minimising risk to the business at all times
• Fulfilling role of Business Partner for defined Op-Co. Attending regular meetings to engage, understand challenges & requirements and update on market conditions & purchasing activity across the team
• Ensuring good communication on project delivery status with all WSH operating businesses
• Supporting Supply Chain Solutions, Supply Chain Technical and Quality Assurance and Commercial Finance teams with escalations and urgent matters

Qualifications

What we need from you:

• Proven track record in Food Procurement with 5-7 years procurement experience
• Ability to carry out category management and strategic sourcing across multiple categories
• In-depth knowledge of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices
• Excellent negotiation and networking skills to deliver the best results for the business
• Experience with modern sourcing and procurement systems
• Familiarity with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as understanding of standard contractual terms and conditions to mitigate legal risk
• Collaboration - works effectively with cross-functional teams and is able to build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels
• Negotiation & Influence - approaches negotiations strategically, balancing cost savings with value creation
• Strategic mindset and problem-solving skills
• Change management skills and self-awareness to take varying approaches with a dynamic set of stakeholders
• Analytical mindset, but also creativity to seek, encourage and find non-traditional approaches that can advance Procurement
• Adaptability - responds flexibly to changing business needs, priorities, or market conditions
• Organised and efficient in planning workload with sound project management skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Accountability - takes ownership of tasks and decisions, ensuring follow-through and delivery of results

Additional Information

And in return, we offer:

• 25 days holiday (plus public holidays)
• Plus your birthday off
• Discretionary bonus
• Car allowance
• Enhanced pension
• Medical Insurance for you
• Life Assurance cover
• Discounts available on the high street shops, holidays, gyms and cinemas
• Wellbeing assistance
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Volunteering Days
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Secondary Carer leave
• Wedding/Commitment day leave
• Bespoke training & development, including apprenticeships
• Salary dependant on experience - between £42,000 to £55,000 per annum