Procurement Manager - Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Procurement Manager - FMCG/Manufacturing Business - South East England Indirect Category Spend Client Details An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded Procurement Manager to join a growing FMCG/Manufacturing business. You will take ownership of the indirect procurement function, driving value, cost efficiencies, supplier performance, and robust procurement governance across the organisation. This is a broad and influential role, offering the chance to shape procurement strategy, establish best-in-class processes, manage key supplier relationships, and support the business's continued growth and operational excellence. This small-sized organisation operates within the FMCG Food industry and is known for its focus on delivering high-quality products to its customers. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, the company values expertise and innovation in procurement and supply chain management. Description As a Procurement Manager you will manage a broad range; Indirect Procurement Management- Category Spend • Lead procurement activities across a broad range of indirect spend categories including: • Energy and utilities • Packaging • Facilities management • Transport and logistics • IT and telecommunications • Professional and business services • Capital equipment and maintenance • Deliver value-for-money solutions while ensuring continuity of supply and service. Spend & Category Management • Analyse spend data to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities. • Develop category strategies for high value spend areas. • Monitor supplier markets and benchmark pricing to ensure competitiveness. Supplier Relationship Management • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. • Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPI monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Drive supplier innovation and value-added opportunities. Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management • Lead contract negotiations to secure favourable commercial terms, service levels, and pricing structures. • Manage contract renewals and tender processes. • Ensure all agreements support business objectives and mitigate commercial risk. Procurement Governance & Process Improvement • Lead and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and controls. • Drive compliance across the business and promote best procurement practices. • Standardise and enhance procurement processes across multiple business functions and sites. Risk Management • Identify procurement and supply chain risks. • Develop and implement mitigation strategies to protect business operations. • Support business continuity planning through effective supplier management. Stakeholder Engagement • Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, and wider business functions to align procurement activities with operational and strategic objectives. • Provide procurement expertise and commercial support to business projects and initiatives. Sustainability & Compliance • Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements. • Support sustainability objectives through responsible sourcing practices. • Coordinate compliance activities related to energy and environmental reporting requirements. Property & Land Management Support • Manage land and property-related procurement activities where required. • Liaise with external advisors to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. Profile A successful Procurement Manager- Indirect Category Manager should have: We're looking for a proactive procurement professional who combines strong commercial acumen with excellent stakeholder management skills. Essential Experience & Skills • Proven procurement experience ideally within an FMCG, manufacturing, industrial, or fast-paced operational environment. • Strong background managing indirect spend categories and delivering measurable cost savings. • Experience negotiating complex supplier contracts and commercial agreements. • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and identify improvement opportunities. • Strong project management capabilities and experience delivering process improvements. • Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and build effective cross-functional relationships. • Strong understanding of procurement governance, risk management, and supplier performance management. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Qualifications • Minimum of 3+ years' procurement experience. • CIPS qualification (or working towards) desirable. • Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or a related discipline preferred. • Advanced Excel skills and experience using procurement and ERP systems. Job Offer • Competitive salary ranging from £55,000 to £60,000 per annum + bonus • Permanent position based in Chichester. • Opportunities to make a meaningful impact • Supportive and professional working environment. • Potential for career growth and development within the organisation. If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Procurement Manager - Category Lead for Indirect Spend we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity today.