Strategic Category Manager - Ingredients | Iconic FMCG

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company seeks a Strategic Category Manager to manage end-to-end procurement of high-quality ingredients. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in procurement, particularly within the food and beverage industry. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to foster supplier relationships are essential. This role offers a competitive salary of £70,000 plus a 10% bonus and hybrid working from their Central London office.

Benefits

10% bonus

Flexible working hours

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of procurement experience in Food & Beverages, FMCG, or related industries.
• Expertise in sourcing food ingredients or agricultural commodities.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end ingredients procurement for quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate to drive supply chain synergies and impactful sourcing solutions.
• Lead category management and develop commodity procurement strategies.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure performance.
• Partner with NPD team to drive innovation in new products.
• Cultivate strong supplier relationships for enhanced collaboration.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Proactive self-starter

Risk management

Job description

Strategic Category Manager - Ingredients | Iconic Market Leading FMCG / Food Business | £70,000 + 10% Bonus | Central London (Hybrid)

To apply please contact Oskar at [e-mail] with your CV.

Seize this unique opportunity to join a thriving multi-national FMCG business who seek strategic ingredients procurement hire to bolster their high performing procurement function.

Do you possess expertise in sourcing ingredients or agricultural commodities while driving innovation and sustainability? If so, an unique opportunity presents itself to work for a company that values creativity and collaboration. This household-name brand is responsible for a portfolio of Europe's most loved food products and your procurement expertise can help make a real impact!

As a Strategic Procurement Manager, you will be at the heart of the business, ensuring they procure the highest quality ingredients while delivering cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Your expertise will help shape the future of their products and ensure they stay ahead of market trends and continue to delight their extensive customer base across Europe.

With a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and NPD, this people centric business offers a fast-paced and supportive environment where you'll have the autonomy to shape procurement strategies, build strong supplier partnerships, and drive meaningful change across ingredients & commodities space.

Offering up to £70k + 10% bonus and flexible hybrid working out of their Central London office.

Role Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of end-to-end ingredients procurement, playing a key role in ensuring quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Collaborate with our wider Group businesses to uncover and drive supply chain synergies, unlocking value and creating impactful sourcing solutions across the organization.
• Lead category management and develop targeted strategies for commodity procurement to drive value and efficiency.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks to safeguard continuity and performance.
• Partner with the New Product Development (NPD) team to champion best-in-class innovation and bring exciting new products to market.
• Cultivate strong supplier relationships to enhance collaboration and performance.

Required Experience:

• Strong commercial acumen and proven end-to-end procurement experience within food ingredients or agricultural commodities related categories.
• 3 years + of proven experience in procurement within Food & Beverages, FMCG, Commodities or Manufacturing type industries.
• Experience in sourcing & procuring ingredients or commodities like bakery ingredients, dairy, cocoa, sugar, palm oil, butter, wheat / flour, fats and oils, leavening agents, nuts, fruits etc…
• Demonstrated expertise in risk management within supply chains, including mitigating market and supplier risks
• Strong negotiation skills, strong communicator and the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders / suppliers to influence buy in and drive forward category strategies.
• A proactive self-starter with both energy and passion for innovation and sustainability.

If you are enticed by acquiring greater category responsibility or exposure to a broad, lucrative & fast-moving product range within an Iconic Food based FMCG firm please submit your CV to please contact Oskar - [e-mail]

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