Category Procurement Manager (Commodities)

Category Procurement Manager (Commodities)Food Manufacturing – Midlands75K + Bonus + BenefitsReady to take ownership of commodity procurement, build strategic supplier partnerships and lead teams across two sites within a growing food business?We are recruiting for an established and highly respected food manufacturing group with a strong presence across the UK and Europe. The organisation supplies a diverse range of globally inspired products to major retail and foodservice customers and is recognised for responsible sourcing, authentic ingredients and long-term supplier partnerships.The RoleThe Category Procurement Manager will be responsible for the procurement of commodities within a defined portfolio, developing and executing category strategies that deliver value, mitigate risk and ensure continuity of supply. The role also carries people management responsibility across two sites, leading a small procurement team, ensuring alignment, capability development and consistent ways of working.Operating cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, Technical and NPD, the role will manage a global supplier base and play a key part in shaping procurement strategy.Key responsibilities include:Ownership of the procurement of commodities for the assigned categoriesLeadership and development of a small teams across two sites, managing workload, priorities and performanceDeveloping and implementing category strategies to maximise commercial benefit and security of supplyLeading Commodity Risk Management (CRM), monitoring global markets and price trendsOwnership of Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and input to annual budgetingDelivery of cost savings, cost avoidance and efficiency improvement programmesSupplier relationship management, KPI monitoring and resolution of performance issuesExecution of tenders and negotiation of supplier contractsIdentification and onboarding of best-in-class suppliers and strategic partnersAbout YouThe ideal candidate will be an experienced procurement professional from a food manufacturing environment, combining strong commercial capability with proven people leadership.Essential skills and experience:5+ years’ experience in commodity procurement, in food manufacturingProven supplier relationship management and negotiation expertiseExperience in Commodity Risk Management and market analysisWorking knowledge of supplier contracts and legal principlesFamiliarity with ERP/MRP systemsStrong analytical capability with advanced Excel and PowerPointExperience managing and developing small teams, ideally across multiple sitesUnderstanding of global supply chains and strategic sourcingAdditional InformationThis role will see you at one site 3 days a week and the smaller site 1 day, with one day working from home, both sites are in the Midlands area.Discipline(s): Food & DrinkJob type: Permanent