Company Overview
Here at Woods Foodservice, we are known as market leaders in the premium quality sector of the restaurant, catering industry. We are at an exciting point of growth in the company, at present, most of our customers are London-based, but we have already begun the expansion process into other major UK cities such as Manchester, Brighton and Bristol. The future is very promising!
Responsibilities
* Demand Planning – forecast levels of demand for products and sales, with cashflow in mind in quieter months. Ensure security in the range and have awareness of current and potential factors contributing to the disruption of supply. Create a 12 calendar month plan, taking into account seasonality, sales trends, external factors, bank holidays, new customers, new products, promotions.
* Supplier Approval – ensure all suppliers are approved (including food safety, health & safety and environmental risks) via the company Compliance approval process.
* Supplier & Procurement Policy – ensure the Supplier & Procurement policy, SOPs are followed.
* Product Range – source new products and ensure the product range is on brand/aligned to Woods core values and conduct research to source the best products and suppliers that align with this whilst keeping in mind: quality, value, sustainability credentials, terms, security of supplier/disruption of supply. Determine which products are ‘story‑line’ high quality products, standards products, KVPs. Ensure all Key Value Products (KVPs) are bought at the lowest possible price.
* Sourcing – of products directly from manufacturers/growers.
* Innovation – keep up to date with food/customer/consumer trends, innovations and new technology that can impact the business.
* Tenders – run tenders, evaluate bids, and make range recommendations, based on commercial and technical factors.
* Pricing Lists – create pricing lists to maximise profit for your Category (approved by Commercial Director), forecast price trends and their impact on the business, ensuring the company remains profitable. Quarterly Pricing Lists for most Categories and Monthly Pricing list for Fresh Produce. Ensure Group Buying promotions are leveraged/optimised.
* Supplier Contracts & Service Level Agreements – negotiate terms and agree contracts including value, delivery schedules, quality, security of supply/range.
* Set up new suppliers and set up new products in online systems – SWORDs/ERUDUS/ASSIST etc. including ensuring the product specifications are up to date specifications as required by Compliance.
* Underperforming Lines – review underperforming lines and either try to upsell or remove from the range accordingly.
* Liaise with Finance to resolve supplier invoice queries and payments.
* Buying Group – ensure maximum benefit from the buying group, taking advantage of terms and promotions. Engage with the buying group and provide feedback to them on what suppliers and terms could be more beneficial to us as a business.
* Supplier Relationship Management – build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers, making sure they are aware of business objectives and that risks are being managed. Attend supplier and networking meetings and trade conferences.
* Reports and Communication – regularly report and communication with the rest of the Commercial Team and others internal teams (e.g. Operations, Finance, Customer Service) so that customer service excellence and company wide objectives are achieved.
* Reports to include – financial performance of products (profitability), peak‑seasons, Buying Group promotions, supplier management, product innovations, customer buying behaviour and trends.
* Collaboration and Teamwork – work closely with Operations (including Stock Replenishment), Finance, Customer Service teams to achieve company‑wide objectives and KPIs. Help facilitate communication between suppliers, manufacturers and Woods internal teams.
* Fresh Produce Commercial Procurement Category Manager will also work closely with the Nights – Market Fresh Produce Buyer.
Role Requirements
* Post‑Secondary relevant qualification – preferred e.g. University degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration.
* Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) qualification or training towards obtaining a CIPs qualification preferred.
* Experience in procurement category management, sourcing and purchasing food products within the foodservice or food FMCG industry preferred.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with suppliers and colleagues.
* Strong Commercial acumen including identifying business opportunities, understanding and executing company approved supplier management plans, keeping up to date with and monitoring competitors, the market and industry information and trends.
* Financial acumen and analytical skills, thinks in terms of profit and loss, costs, savings, pricing.
* Develop and execute pricing and supplier management plans to achieve revenue and other KPI targets.
* Ensures Compliance requirements (legal, company, BRC, food safety, health & safety, environment) policies, procedures and standards are followed.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and a pro‑active approach to address customer needs.
* Very good organisation, prioritisation and planning skills with a keen attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software, with the ability to generate reports, analyse data and manipulate data in Excel to inform decision‑making.
* Must have the Right to Work in the UK and hold a valid UK Driving License.
Benefits
* 25 days holiday
* Annual 10% Bonus
* Company events
* Company pension
* Free parking
* Life insurance
* On‑site parking
* Sick pay
* Work from home (1 day per week)
Hours of Work: 08.00am - 17.00pm
What are you waiting for, come Join Us!
Strictly No Agencies
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Product Management, and Finance
Industries
Wholesale Food and Beverage and Food & Beverages
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