Group Procurement Category Manager

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.

Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.

The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.

In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.

We are looking for the successful candidate to lead the category segment for procurement and be responsible for the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier relationships, and contract management. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, with line manager responsibilities to our Procurement Graduate.

The successful applicant will have flexibility to work from home 2 days a week and travel to any of our Group locations as required.

• Establish and maintain strong relationship with Suppliers, negotiating contracts and ensuring the best terms and conditions for Dale Farm.
• Development of category strategies to maximise value for Dale Farm, generate a continuous improvement plan and ensure aligned with Corporate sustainability requirements.
• Develop and lead strategic sourcing initiatives to maximise value whilst effectively manage risk for the category.
• Develop and implement cost-based reduction strategies to achieve annual cost saving targets while maintaining quality and performance targets.
• Negotiate contracts, KPIs inclusive of sustainability targets and other terms with Suppliers.
• Establish close relationships with internal stakeholders to understand their needs. Work collaboratively with cross functional groups to develop and implement procurement strategies that meet these needs.
• Understand emerging technologies and market trends to drive category strategy and inform the business. Monitor and analyse market trends, pricing, and technology advancements to make informed procurement decisions.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the category including financial, operational, and environmental risks. Develop contingency plans and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential issues.
• Ensure compliance with relevant European Laws and Regulations including EPR and PPWR legislation, industry standards as well as organisational policies and targets.
• Develop and maintain supplier contingency plans to address potential disruption in the supply chain.
• Communicate monthly update on category performance to established KPIs and metrics to measure the success and efficiency of procurement performance
• Degree qualified in Business Admin, Supply Chain Management or similar.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a purchasing / procurement function linked to manufacturing, FMCG or food retail business environment.
• In the absence of a degree, candidates with more than 5 years relevant experience will be considered.
• Influential communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Candidates must demonstrate strong people skills; excellent negotiation skills and be commercially focussed.
• Candidates will be highly analytical with strong IT skills

CIPS accreditation.

We have a lot to offer at Dale Farm, not only to our farmer members we support but also to our employees and are committed to a learning and development journey for all. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with the role, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, contributory company pension, Life Assurance, and full support from our employee assistance programme.

We promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values

Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability

You can find out more about our organisation on our Linked In and Facebook Career pages and on our company website where you will find the link to apply