A Procurement Manager you are responsible for overseeing the distilleries sourcing capabilities and supply chain. You will find and evaluate suppliers, products, and services, and manage the process of negotiating contracts and agreeing cost effective terms that don’t compromise on quality. You are responsible for maximising the value of the supplier partnership and managing the overall organisational spend. The contracts you negotiate will take account of factors such as sustainability, risk management and ethical issues and you will be targeted with achieving cost savings, waste minimisation and ultimately, contributing to the profitability of the organisation.

The role is hugely varied, often challenging and fast-paced. You will need to have a proven track record as a Procurement professional with demonstrable experience managing tenders, projects, developing long term sourcing plans, and managing supplier relationships. You will need to have excellent communication and negotiating skills, and a solid understanding of the procurement process.

Your primary role as a Procurement Manager is to manage the organisations spend by maximising supplier value and minimising risk. Vendor selection is a key aspect of your role, involving the preparation and management of the request for proposals (RFP) process and the assessment and analysis of large amounts of vendor data to make informed decisions, ensuring the selection process is fair, transparent and data based.

Additionally, as a Procurement Manager you will be involved in developing procurement policy, compliance, the ongoing assessment of supplier performance and the business’s return on investment. Other responsibilities include:

• Procurement strategy and policy development
• Researching potential vendors, products, and services.
• Keeping up to date with trends, innovations, regulations and new products and services that could impact the business.
• Managing contracts and request for proposals (RFP). Evaluate bids and make recommendations.
• Vendor negotiation and agreement of contracts. Regular vendor meetings to optimise volume vs price.
• Supplier selection and management, ensuring alignment of objectives.
• Risk and compliance management to ensure the security and sustainability of sources of essential goods and services.
• Monitoring the quality of products and services delivered by vendors.
• Vendor ROI analysis.
• Managing inventory.
• Spend and budget management, ensuring cost savings and supplier performance targets are met or exceeded.
• Forecast price trends and their impact on business profitability.
• Provide market updates, analysis, and procurement strategy.

Skills and experience

To become a Procurement Manager, you will typically be degree qualified in a Supply Chain or related subject and have a proven track record managing procurement activity. Ideally within an FMCG or other highly regulated environment. You will have extensive RP / MRP experience and fully understand the demands of leading an effective supply chain operation. In addition, your skills will typically include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with critical thinking ability.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst delivering results within challenging deadlines.
• Strategic mindset and agile delivery.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures.
• Self-sufficient, self-motivated, and innovative.
• Good teamwork and ability to build strong interpersonal relationships.
• Effective and concise communication and presentation skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to review, understand and challenge legal documents and contracts.
• Good IT skills.
• Results driven, creative and innovative.

Qualifications Required

To become a Procurement Manager you would typically have a degree in Business Studies / Business Management, Business Purchasing & Supply, Economics, Engineering, Marketing, Operations Management, Purchasing Logistics or Supply Chain Management. Entry without a degree is possible by starting in a junior purchasing assistant capacity and then progressing as you gain experience and study for professional qualifications.

Some employers will prefer you to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) - MCIPS - or to be working towards becoming one. In addition, you will typically need:

• A minimum of 2 years working in a lead procurement role. Preferably within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Extensive experience developing and executing procurement strategies and identifying areas of continuous improvements.
• A skilled negotiator with experience of e-tendering.
• Experience in contract management.
• Professional accreditation related to the function is favourable e.g. CIPs

Institute of Brewing and Distilling
Tel: 020 7499 8144
Website: http://www.ibd.org.uk
Twitter: @IBDHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBDHQ

National Skills Academy for Food and Drink
Tel: 0330 174 1253
E-mail: info@nsafd.co.uk
Website: http://nsafd.co.uk
Twitter: @NSAFD

Scotland Food and Drink
Tel: 0131 335 0940
Website: http://www.foodanddrink.scot
Twitter: @scotfooddrink
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scotfooddrink