Procurement Manager (Chocolate & Ingredients)

Zertus UK & Ireland (Humdinger, Kinnerton Confectionery & Lir Chocolates) - Hybrid

Position type: Permanent; Full-time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Pay range: £50,000 - £60,000

Key Benefits: Annual bonus plan; International travel; CIPS membership fees covered; Healthcare cash plan; 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays; Hybrid working

Location: We have manufacturing sites and offices across the UK & Ireland, including Heckington (Lincolnshire), Bromborough (Wirral), Fakenham (Norfolk), Hull (East Yorkshire), Navan (Meath, Ireland), and Sherburn in Elmet (Leeds). The role involves travel to UK and Irish sites, international supplier visits, and internal meetings. We support hybrid working and are open to discussing the base location during the interview process.

Join Zertus UK & Ireland as our Procurement Manager - Chocolate & Ingredients, leading procurement for a key category in our group. Managing a significant spend across 300 suppliers, sourcing chocolate and ingredients globally.

1. Lead procurement strategy for chocolate and ingredients across UK & Ireland, demonstrating market knowledge and commercial acumen.
2. Manage a team of two (Category Buyer and Procurement Analyst) with direct responsibility for the Buyer.
3. Develop sourcing plans and supplier relationships in the categories.
4. Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance using tools like Mintec, Power BI, and e-sourcing platforms.
5. Travel internationally for trade shows and supplier visits.
6. Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, and NPD.
7. Participate in quarterly team events and training.
8. Deputise for the Head of Procurement and contribute to group initiatives.

Requirements:

1. Proven experience in raw materials procurement within FMCG.
2. A passion for chocolate and ingredients with a strategic mindset.
3. Experience in global purchasing, commodity, and category management.
4. Contract law knowledge.
5. Experience with procurement tools and data platforms (Mintec, Power BI, e-sourcing).
6. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
7. MCIPS qualification.
8. Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder management.
9. Decisive, proactive problem-solver.
10. Excellent negotiation skills.
11. Willingness to travel internationally.
12. People management experience.
13. Hybrid working preference.

Additional benefits include annual bonus, pension, healthcare, holiday purchase scheme, cycle and electric car schemes, family policies, wellbeing events, recognition schemes, training, and development opportunities.

Zertus UK & Ireland unites Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates, creating beloved snack and chocolate brands. Part of the Zertus Group in Hamburg, with over 2,000 employees across Europe.

Zertus is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion. Successful applicants will be contacted via email or phone. Please inform us of any special arrangements needed for interviews.