What’s the purpose of role: Working alongside our team of procurement specialists, your role is key as you take responsibility for the strategic sourcing and category management for accountable categories. Developing clear category management strategies, you will maximise value across the end to end product selection sourcing process. The emphasis is on buying the right products to fit the longer-term needs of our customers and the business whilst achieving total cost solutions rather than a simple quick, price focused fit. This role is being offered as a 6-9 month fixed term contract as a maternity cover with potential of extension. Who you’ll deal with : Internal: Colleagues, Line Manager, Support Functions. External: Suppliers What you’ll be doing: Supporting the senior team in the delivery of the overall procurement business strategy, with direct accountability for specific categories Develop strategic category plans to drive commercial, quality and service objectives of the business Implement consistent and robust Supplier Performance Management for category vendors, driving continuous improvement initiatives, forecasts/re-forecasts and ongoing relationship development to optimise the value and performance of each supplier Negotiating and managing commercial terms for all suppliers that fall within scope, integrating into central contractual agreements to synergise benefits and maximise sustainable value Consolidating expenditure and suppliers wherever appropriate, to maximize volumes and minimise complexity Negotiation and drafting of contracts are in place and maintained for all key, accountable vendors Use technology to drive procurement best practice such as electronic tendering and auctions Ensuring suppliers are reporting contracted SLA’s and KPI’s, putting in place recovery measures for failure Enhancing all procurement practices in sourcing and supplier management through the implementation of the Scanmarket eSourcing platforms, including but not limited to all tenders, contracts and supplier information in order to underpin category opportunities where appropriate Engagement with key internal stakeholders, presenting opportunities & impacts associated with supply chain optimisation Following up on delivery queries, shortages etc. with suppliers Adhering to company compliance procedures and the development and implementation of functional processes, guidelines, policies and projects relative to accountable category activities This list is not exhaustive, accountabilities may vary dependant on locality or role complexity and may include any other duties considered reasonable by the line manager. What you’ll have: Ideally sourcing and category management experience within foodservice or food production Market knowledge, procurement best practice Good negotiation skills and an ability to influence key decision makers Experience of delivering change, ideally is qualified in project management such as Prince2 Track record of commercial acumen Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills Highly analytical and methodical approach Ability to structure workload, to plan and multi-task efficiently Desirable Competent with eProcurement platforms and IT solutions CIPS qualification or relevant industry experience Key Performance Indicators: Generating ideas Developing strategies Interacting with people Taking action Convincing people Articulating information What you’ll show: Evidence of behaviours aligned to company values – Safety and Security Delighting Customers Respect Service Excellence Performance Driven Imagination