The role is responsible for driving improvements in functional performance through the identification and implementation of continuous improvement and best-in-class practices across the Procurement function. The role uses external insight to identify best practice and develop key enablers – organisational capability and ways of working – that enhance procurement operations, promote supplier excellence, and ensure alignment with organisational goals for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to embed procurement excellence across the function. BRINGS THE OUTSIDE IN Uses external research to: Identify procurement best practice and emerging trends and Understand the regulatory environment and its impact on procurement practices DRIVES IMPROVEMENT THROUGH FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT • Owns functional knowledge management – developing ways of working, methodologies, frameworks and toolkits to underpin best practice and ensure regulatory compliance • Develops capability through the Procurement Academy – through the design, roll-out, management of learning solutions that Drive adoption of: • Ways of working, methodologies, frameworks & toolkits (developed by this role) • Processes and systems (as developed by Procurement Efficiency Manager) • Data analytics, cost models, dashboards and other tools (developed by Senior Procurement Analytics Manager) that enhance visibility of procurement spend, suppler performance and market trends • Improve soft skills e.g. negotiation skills • Deliver improvements in functional KPIs SUSTAINABILITY • Supports the Head of Procurement Excellence in the development and implementation of a sustainable procurement strategy that aligns with the corporate strategy • Ensures environmental impact, ethical sourcing and social responsibility considerations are built into Procurement ways of working and practices and are also included in the Procurement Academy. • Lead initiatives to ensure supplier diversity, sustainability, and risk management are embedded in procurement practices. • Results Oriented – comfortable setting and delivering against bold, stretch targets • BA/BSc in Finance, Business, Economics degree, Master preferred • Experience of managing expert external procurement consultants in line with business needs • Proven experience of developing best practice and ways of working • Excellent Functional knowledge in leading Procurement roles • Depth of different aspects of Procurement such as sourcing, category management, preferably within Food & Beverage industry • Breath / Depth experience in sourcing processes and procurement standard methodologies, with experience of implementing them in multiple global organisations