The Direct Procurement Manager will lead all sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management activities across the company’s direct procurement categories — ensuring supply security, cost efficiency, and compliance with governance, sustainability, and Group Procurement standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Procurement

Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business and Group Procurement objectives.

Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and currency impacts to support data-driven purchasing decisions.

Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvements through structured tenders, negotiations, and supplier development.

2. Supplier Management & Governance

Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, service, and sustainability.

Lead supplier approval, onboarding, and performance reviews in line with company governance standards.

Oversee supplier contracts, renewals, and governance documentation with relevant stakeholders.

3. Operational Delivery

Plan, forecast, and execute purchasing requirements in collaboration with Production, Finance, and Planning.

Maintain accurate procurement data and reporting within ERP and BI systems (NAV, QlikSense, Excel).

Drive continuous improvement in cost control, inventory management, and payment terms.

Lead, develop, and support the Stock Control Team, ensuring efficient warehouse and stock operations across multiple sites.

Develop and report on sustainability and supply-chain efficiency initiatives.

4. Leadership & Collaboration

Partner with the Head of Procurement to align strategies with group-wide initiatives.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, QA, Supply Chain, and Sustainability teams.

Contribute to departmental projects including spend governance, delegated authority, and supplier sustainability programmes.

Skills & Competencies

Strong negotiation, influencing, and contract management skills.

Excellent analytical and numerical ability.

Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency (Excel Super User).

Proven ability to work independently and deliver results under pressure.

Effective communicator and stakeholder manager with strong presentation skills.

Highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum 3 years’ procurement experience, ideally in FMCG, food manufacturing, or logistics.

Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline (CIPS qualification desirable).

Proven record of achieving cost savings, supplier performance improvements, and operational efficiencies.

ERP experience (e.g. NAV, SAP, or similar) preferred.