Procurement Manager - Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Procurement Manager - FMCG/Manufacturing Business - South East England

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Indirect Category Spend

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Client Details

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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded Procurement Manager to join a growing FMCG/Manufacturing business. You will take ownership of the indirect procurement function, driving value, cost efficiencies, supplier performance, and robust procurement governance across the organisation.

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This is a broad and influential role, offering the chance to shape procurement strategy, establish best-in-class processes, manage key supplier relationships, and support the business's continued growth and operational excellence.

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This small-sized organisation operates within the FMCG Food industry and is known for its focus on delivering high-quality products to its customers. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, the company values expertise and innovation in procurement and supply chain management.

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Description

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As a Procurement Manager you will manage a broad range;

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Indirect Procurement Management- Category Spend

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• Lead procurement activities across a broad range of indirect spend categories including:\n
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  • Energy and utilities
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  • Packaging
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  • Facilities management
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  • Transport and logistics
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  • IT and telecommunications
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  • Professional and business services
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  • Capital equipment and maintenance
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• Deliver value-for-money solutions while ensuring continuity of supply and service.
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Spend & Category Management

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• Analyse spend data to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
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• Develop category strategies for high value spend areas.
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• Monitor supplier markets and benchmark pricing to ensure competitiveness.
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Supplier Relationship Management

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• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
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• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPI monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Drive supplier innovation and value-added opportunities.
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Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management

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• Lead contract negotiations to secure favourable commercial terms, service levels, and pricing structures.
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• Manage contract renewals and tender processes.
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• Ensure all agreements support business objectives and mitigate commercial risk.
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Procurement Governance & Process Improvement

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• Lead and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and controls.
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• Drive compliance across the business and promote best procurement practices.
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• Standardise and enhance procurement processes across multiple business functions and sites.
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Risk Management

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• Identify procurement and supply chain risks.
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• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to protect business operations.
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• Support business continuity planning through effective supplier management.
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Stakeholder Engagement

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• Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, and wider business functions to align procurement activities with operational and strategic objectives.
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• Provide procurement expertise and commercial support to business projects and initiatives.
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Sustainability & Compliance

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• Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
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• Support sustainability objectives through responsible sourcing practices.
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• Coordinate compliance activities related to energy and environmental reporting requirements.
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Property & Land Management Support

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• Manage land and property-related procurement activities where required.
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• Liaise with external advisors to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
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Profile

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A successful Procurement Manager- Indirect Category Manager should have:

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We're looking for a proactive procurement professional who combines strong commercial acumen with excellent stakeholder management skills.

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Essential Experience & Skills

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• Proven procurement experience ideally within an FMCG, manufacturing, industrial, or fast-paced operational environment.
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• Strong background managing indirect spend categories and delivering measurable cost savings.
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• Experience negotiating complex supplier contracts and commercial agreements.
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• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and identify improvement opportunities.
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• Strong project management capabilities and experience delivering process improvements.
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• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and build effective cross-functional relationships.
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• Strong understanding of procurement governance, risk management, and supplier performance management.
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• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
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Qualifications

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• Minimum of 3+ years' procurement experience.
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• CIPS qualification (or working towards) desirable.
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• Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or a related discipline preferred.
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• Advanced Excel skills and experience using procurement and ERP systems.
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Job Offer

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• Competitive salary ranging from £55,000 to £60,000 per annum + bonus
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• Permanent position based in Chichester.
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• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact
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• Supportive and professional working environment.
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• Potential for career growth and development within the organisation.
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If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Procurement Manager - Category Lead for Indirect Spend we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity today.