Category Buying Manager; Maternity Cover

Windsor, UK

Up to £65,000 per annum

Full Time, 15 Month FTC

We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.

• Birthday day off
• 25 days off a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Hybrid Working (3 days in office)
• Medical Insurance
• Referral Scheme
• Social Events
• Flexi Time

Reporting to Head of Procurement, you will manage the Procurement of agreed food, non-food and/or packaging and services suppliers for UK and Europe. Taking a category management approach, you will support the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing the Procurement strategy for UK & Europe, creating a supply base fit for purpose in meeting En Route’s growth objectives.

For the Categories under your control:

• To work with the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing a clear supply base strategy to deliver En Route’s requirements in UK & Europe, aligned with the global strategy
• To manage the UK & European Supply base on a day-to-day basis ensuring all relationships, commercials and opportunities are complete and delivered
• To negotiate and manage Contracts and Terms with Suppliers
• To identify, implement and monitor opportunities to improve cost savings, project deliverables and supplier selection, reporting progress on a regular basis
• To work collaboratively with Product Development and Supply Chain teams to support the creation of innovative product solutions and their distribution in an efficient and cost-effective manner
• To manage the Supplier listing and start-up process, category reporting and category action plans
• To take a proactive approach in understanding the markets in which En Route operates, identifying Procurement opportunities and risks and taking appropriate and timely action in coordination with the P&SC Director
• To work closely with the Supply Chain teams to ensure terms and conditions agreed with Suppliers support the maintenance of excellent product availability, ensuring strong levels of customer service

• Experienced Food & Beverage Procurement professional
• Experience of Buying Packaging and non-Food categories
• Good knowledge of the UK and/or European supply markets
• A strong negotiator with demonstrated ability to develop and manage sustainable Supplier relationships
• Comfortable with the negotiation, development and management of Supplier Contracts
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks across Food and non-Food categories
• Evidence of strong collaboration with other functions
• Ability to travel as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Educated to Degree level preferred