Do you have a passion for negotiation? Are you highly motivated and have good people skills? Do you have experience with contracts ? Looking for an exciting new career opportunity? As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach to Procurement across Avara Foods and are looking for a highly competent and motivated Procurement Category Lead to join our Procurement Team, based at our Brackley site. Who are we, and what do we do? You may not have heard of us, but there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country’s major supermarkets and well-known restaurants. We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door – meaning we have careers that cover a whole range of functions. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales. Purpose of the role: As a Procurement category lead you will will be responsible for reviewing, negotiating and maintaining contracts and cost/value optimisation across our agriculture base this will include areas such as catching, bedding, cleaning, medicines and vaccines and chemicals. They will be accountable for £25m spend and indirectly for a further £61m. Your key responsibilities as Procurement Category Lead will include: Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with preferred suppliers. Negotiating prices, agree terms and conditions and where required set up contracts and supply agreements. Must have contract experience to support the Agriculture team on contract grower contracts and chick and egg contracts. Perform spend, contract and market analysis for Agriculture, Medicine and Vaccines and Chemical categories for communication to the wider business. Work closely with the Agriculture team to ensure contracts and pricing is up to date and tenders submitted in accordance to the company’s requirements. Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation across sites. Must be results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against targets and project deadlines. Promotes innovative ways to add value and reduce costs within the category spend under their remit. Report and communicate on supply chain risk and opportunity. Accountable for performance of supply chain in areas of responsibility. Responsible for ensuring compliance to Procurement processes & procedures. Provide Head of procurement and business leaders with Category Strategy information that includes financial data and a deep dive review of category risks and opportunities. What we are looking for: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar position CIPS qualified Excellent analytical skills (including excel experience) Excellent knowledge on contract terms and conditions Contract management and supplier experience Commercial awareness Excellent communication skills Ability to interface with cross functional team and levels in the business Confidence and presentation skills Ability to make decisions under pressure Negotiation skills Tendering skills Risk management experience The ability to work independently and proactively as a part of a small team. Full UK driving license. What’s in it for you? As a Procurement Category Lead you will enjoy a secure, supportive and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded. We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that amongst other things include the following: Up to £54,000 per annum 31 days holiday allowance Secure contract with long term career development opportunities Straight forward pension contribution of 6% Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices Cycle to work scheme Discounted local gym membership Salaried Advance Finance Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, which includes unlimited remote GP appointments and unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy sessions, medical second opinion consultation, and other discounts and perks, such as savings & discounts on weekly costs. If you’re ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, apply today We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. Benefits