Procurement Manager (Food / FMCG)

VanRath; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major recruitment firm in Northern Ireland is seeking a Category Manager to oversee and manage multiple procurement categories in Belfast. The role involves driving cost-effective procurement, managing supplier relationships, and collaborating with stakeholders for effective service delivery. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Business or a related field and at least 4 years of relevant experience in procurement and negotiation. This dynamic position offers opportunities for continuous development and requires flexibility for travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of procurement and negotiation experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrable success in sourcing and supplier negotiation.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage multiple categories to drive procurement efficiencies.
• Lead sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor markets and implement contingency and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Education

Degree in Business, Procurement or Supply Chain

Tools

Nav

Qliksense

Job description

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with a major company in Northern Ireland with the Recruitment of a Category Manager to join a growing and dynamic company based in Belfast.

Overview

As a Category Manager, you will oversee and manage multiple categories, driving cost-effective procurement of goods and services while upholding high standards of quality, compliance, and supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to understand category needs and ensure effective service delivery.
• Lead sourcing, tendering, and procurement strategies aligned with business goals and sustainability standards.
• Build strong supplier relationships, managing performance, contracts, and disputes.
• Drive cost savings, efficiency, and innovation through strategic sourcing and improvement projects.
• Monitor markets, assess risks, and implement contingency and sustainability initiatives.
• Use procurement tools (e.g., Nav, Qliksense) to enable data-driven decisions.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and promote a safe workplace.
• Support and mentor team members, pursue continuous development, and maintain flexibility for travel and changing business needs.

Requirements

• Degree-level education in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 4 years of proven procurement and negotiation experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrable success in sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
• Track record of working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supply chain management.

Desired criteria

• CIPS qualification (MCIPS) or actively working towards it.
• Experience managing a small team or mentoring junior staff.
• Familiarity with sustainability reporting standards or carbon reduction frameworks.
• Project management skills (e.g. Prince2 or Agile methodologies).
• Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for reporting and insight generation.

For more information on this role please reach out to Jack Groves @ VANRATH for more information.