Procurement Manager – FMCG/Manufacturing Business – South East England

Indirect Category Spend

Client Details

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.

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.

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.

Description

As a Procurement Manager you will manage a broad range;

Indirect Procurement Management- Category Spend

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

Spend & Category Management

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

Supplier Relationship Management

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

Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management

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

Procurement Governance & Process Improvement

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

Risk Management

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

Stakeholder Engagement

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

Sustainability & Compliance

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

Property & Land Management Support

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

Profile

A successful Procurement Manager- Indirect Category Manager should have:

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

Essential Experience & Skills

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

Qualifications

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

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £55,000 to £60,000 per annum + bonus
• Permanent position based in Chichester.
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact
• Supportive and professional working environment.
• Potential for career growth and development within the organisation.

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.