About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to manage our ingredients spend across our bars, coffee & bakery and casual dining divisions in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.
They will be responsible for leading the procurement activity in this key spend area, driving the strategic sourcing agenda and leading tendering and contract negotiations for items critical for our business operations
They will own and develop the supplier relationships, managing suppliers from end to end to support SSP brands and, where relevant, our franchise brands.
Key focus will be on driving profit performance by negotiating improved and sustainable commercial terms and managing cost inflation, with supply partners which meet operational requirements utilising the best commercial and most efficient route to market.
What you'll be doing:
1. Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across all assigned categories.
2. Deliver budgeted procurement activity and targeted initiatives in the financial year.
3. Manage and develop the Ingredients Buyer, supporting them in delivering their own procurement activity and objectives.
4. Lead RFP/RFI/tender processes to ensure competitive supplier selection.
5. Execute contract negotiations to secure best-value terms, risk mitigation, and service excellence.
6. Create, document and track all supplier trading terms with Finance.
7. Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
8. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) focus on goods, reducing costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
9. Collaborate with NPD in delivering menu development and first to market innovation.
10. Conduct comprehensive spend analysis and identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
11. Track market trends, benchmark data, and anticipate supply market changes.
12. Rationalisation and consolidation of terms / suppliers / products.
13. Present to senior management for approval and implementation.
14. Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and regulatory obligations.
15. Align procurement activity with company CSR policies and ESG strategy, lead on specific sustainable sourcing initiatives.
16. Collaborate effectively with internal functions and engage key stakeholders to align procurement to business needs.
Key Measurables:
17. Cost Based Reductions (CBR) vs targets on specific categories / suppliers
18. Managing inflation basket and identifying new opportunities
19. Sourcing products and services to improve quality / availability
20. Delivering budget
21. Maintaining and improving current supplier terms
22. Contract data management and timings
23. Supporting new concepts / projects
24. Delivering Joint Business Plans (JBP’s) with suppliers
To be successful in this role you will need:
Essential:
25. 5+ years’ Procurement experience (preferably in catering, foodservice or hospitality)
26. Proven track record of cost saving initiatives.
27. Excellent negotiation skills.
28. Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset.
29. Contract management knowledge.
30. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
31. Excellent oral and written skills.
32. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels including senior management.
33. Ability to work in a demanding environment and deliver to specific deadlines.
34. Ability to manage and lead cross-functional projects.
Why Join Us
35. Employee Discounts across our brands (over 400 locations)
36. Friends and Family Discount App
37. Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes
38. Health & Wellbeing support
39. Hybrid working model with flexibility for work–life balance
40. Inclusive and diverse workplace with employee networks and communities
Ready to start the best part of your journey?
Join us at SSP and play a key role in shaping the financial performance of our Rail Gourmet business — where your insight, collaboration, and ownership will help drive our success across the UK and beyond.
At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.