Job Purpose and Role Overview
* To put personal safety and food safety at the heart of everything we do.
* Support the Procurement team with development of supplier strategy, tender participation and contract management.
* To take ownership of new and existing project development projects across both brands, attending weekly cross-functional project meetings and owning associated Procurement activities.
* To develop and own the strategy for these activities whilst supporting innovation, continuous improvement plans, cost out/value add initiatives and the supplier assurance program.
* To effectively build collaborative working relationships, whether this be with suppliers, within AB Sports or across the wider ABF Group. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are imperative.
Sourcing quality products from the quality suppliers, always striving to achieve best practice and leveraging synergies across the wider ABF group, the primary goal of the Procurement team is to get maximum value for minimum cost. It’s a case of mitigating risks and leveraging opportunities.
As a team, we must support and help deliver the NPD/EPD calendar, highlighting any potential business risk whilst maintaining flexibility – supporting our ambition of high speed to market. This flexibility gives AB Sports a competitive edge, one we need to exploit further with our suppliers. We are responsible for the cost out/value add saving plan, involving identification of opportunities, then scoping out and delivering savings. It’s busy but rewarding work.
Competencies and Skills
* Interest in sport – we don’t care if it is horses, hula hoops or hurdles…or if it is a hobby or a passion!
* Organised and forward-thinking – always thinking and planning for the next opportunity. Is this the best way? What is sustainable? What is the risk vs. reward?
* Analytical – computer literate and numerate. Proficient when using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
* Influencing and negotiating – strong communication skills written and verbal. Adapting to suit the audience - at all levels.
* Demonstrate strong expertise in supplier relationship management, including negotiating contracts, fostering long-term partnerships, and ensuring supplier performance aligns with company standards.
* Networking - ability to build great working relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and across the ABF Group, to ensure we optimise and leverage every opportunity to drive value for the business.
Candidate Profile
* Minimum two years Procurement experience
* Knowledge and experience in customs import procedures is desirable, including compliance with international trade regulations, documentation preparation, and effective liaison with customs authorities.
* Passionate advocate for integrating sustainable practices into procurement processes to drive environmental and social impact.
* Positive Individual with high energy levels – no two days are the same in this fast-paced, dynamic business. Need to be able to work at pace whilst being adaptable to meet the business needs.
* Team player – as part of a small team, no task is out of reach, so willingness to get involved and get the job done is a must.
* Appetite to learn and challenge – the desire to learn about the business and categories in depth but also to challenge the norms – adding value and striving to improve.
* Sees the bigger picture – understands best practice procurement and how important end-to-end Supply Chain is.
Key Accountabilities, Priorities and Opportunities
Health and Safety
* To be responsible for acting in a safe manner and to protect yourself and others at all times.
* To help drive safety standards in the business, utilising the framework as set by the ABSN Safety Fundamentals.
* To report accidents and near misses no matter how trivial.
Primary Functions
* Supporting the Procurement team with obtaining and analysing RFQs across the full portfolio.
* Continually review business cost reduction strategies through sourcing to add value without sacrificing quality.
* Tender product categories. Organising tenders using available tools or joining with big group tenders.
* Identify potential opportunities, fully scope and run the value re-engineering projects.
* Deliver accurate and timely information regarding pricing, changes of supplier or negotiated contracts to support planning and scheduling team.
* Manage import activities by ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, preparing necessary documentation, liaising with customs authorities, and staying updated on regulatory changes.
* Champion the use of the ABF procurement toolkit and eSourcing tools to help deliver value.
* Support the business’ growth agenda by leveraging supplier relationships to showcase product concepts/ideas, supporting the NPD calendar.
* Work closely with Technical to ensure that all products meet our requirements for food safety, legality and quality via the supplier assurance programme.
* Ability to work autonomously and on own initiative or happy to work as part of a cross-functional team.
Core Competencies
* Safety aware – is committed to the business health and safety objectives and will help contribute to meeting those objectives.
* Quality conscious – is committed to achieving and maintaining high standards within all areas of job responsibility.
* Results orientated – identifies problems and finds appropriate solutions or techniques to resolve them.
* Planning and organising – excellent time management, planning and organisational skills.
* Team player – works effectively with others, cooperates with work colleagues and is sensitive to people’s needs.
* Communicator – communicates in a clear and concise manner and can influence and gain the agreement of others.
* Appetite for learning – absorbs new information. Learns, remembers and applies new techniques or procedures.
* Technical application – applies relevant knowledge, skills and procedures to all technical aspects of the job.
* Change – adaptable to the need for change and continuous improvement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr