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Experienced Supply Chain Professional - Passionate about Driving Supply Chain Efficiency
As part of a recent restructure, our Supply Chain function is evolving to deliver greater strategic and operational value. We are seeking a driven and experienced Procurement Manager to help lead this transformation — playing a vital role in shaping our procurement function and supporting the delivery of business-critical goals.
The Procurement Manager will play a central role in the transformation and growth of GCB Cocoa UK’s procurement function. This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in ensuring GCB UK maintains robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.
Required skills and qualifications
* Substantial experience in a procurement leadership role within the food, ingredients, manufacturing or FMCG sectors.
* Demonstrated success in developing and executing procurement strategies.
* Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
* Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Competencies / Behaviours for success
* Commercially astute with excellent analytical and financial skills.
* Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills at all levels.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
* Proficient in procurement systems, ERP software and Excel.
* Self-motivated, hands-on and results-oriented with a proactive mindset.
Key Responsibilities / Core Activities
* Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
* Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
* Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
* Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
* Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
* Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
* Ensure our ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
* Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
* Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
* Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
* Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
* Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
* Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
* Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
* Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
Key Working Relationships
* Internal: Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams.
* External: Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.
Working Pattern:
08.00 - 17.00, Monday - Friday (1 hour lunch break)
We offer:
* Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: 5% Employee pension contributions are matched by 5% Employer pension contribution.
* 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 25 days after 2 years’ service.
* Free on-site parking and hot drinks
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
* Performance bonus
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Sudbury CO10 7QR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
* Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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