Category Buyer - Bev. And Retail/Dry Goods

About Our Client
My client is a leading food services business who is passionate about continually delivering outstanding benefits, service and experience to their clients through innovate, leveraged relationships with our supply partners. Currently operating at thousands of client locations around the world, from hospitals, schools and oil rigs to corporate headquarters and the world's biggest entertainment venues.
Their passion for procurement is led by their supply chain talent. They seek to establish true partnerships with their clients and supply partners delivering growth and innovation for all. Their values represent the cornerstone of how they achieve this together.
They pride their business around providing innovative, flexible procurement solutions.
Job Description
Strategic sourcing & Category Strategy Execution 40%

• Drive strategic sourcing events with the key focus on optimizing cost, quality, delivery & technology standards to the clients with a focus on bringing a local (site by site) perspective to a national category.
• Improve local performance via supplier consolidation, negotiating commercial supplier arrangements and developing strategic partnerships.
• Oversee the day-to-day sourcing of new items and specials sourcing to ensure they are in alignment with overall category strategy.
• Visit sites and hotels periodically to gain a better understanding of product and service offering needs and act on issues presented, providing strategic procurement advice to maximise commercial outcomes.
• Provide leadership and innovation from a sourcing perspective towards environmental management and sustainability programs. Review supplier offerings for innovative products to reduce costs

Supplier Performance Management 30%

• With the stakeholders, drive SRM KPI performance reviews with key suppliers and correctively action poor performing suppliers. Drive continuous improvement
• Maintain relationships with strategic suppliers with the aim to be a first point of call for new innovative products and specials
• Perform other administrative functions associated with this role as necessary by (among other activities):
• Cataloguing and maintaining contract and supplier files relating to events and contracts conducted and responsible for.
• Documenting all relevant information and supplier responses regarding product/service availability, specification, competitive tendering and price within Contracts in the online repository.
• Allocate tasks to responsible persons arising from Contracts.

Client Engagement 15%

• Build and maintain productive internal and external relationships to facilitate the delivery of Category Strategy and objectives
• Review and validate the market updates to internal customers on status of products, quality, availability and expected trends.
• Hold regular meetings with departments and staff to ensure the approaches to work are planned & consistent with policy and encourage staff development by regular feedback. Consistently seek to develop a trusting relationship and working rapport with departments and team members and ensure a positive approach to work
• Support Procurement in delivery of consistent service, policy and process.

People Management & Leadership 10%

• Developing Direct Reports if any
• Identify appropriate training needs to ensure continuous skill development

Heath, Safety and Security Management 5%

• Adhere to policy, procedures and systems relating to health and safety
• Take reasonable care for own and others health and safety
• Cooperate with the company in relation to actions taken to comply with Occupational Health & Safety Legislation

The Successful Applicant
Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant completed or partial tertiary qualification Economics/Business/Commerce, CIPS, IFPSM or AAPCM qualification or equivalent is highly regarded
• Negotiating - Advanced
• Drive for Results - Intermediate
• Timely Decision Making - Intermediate
• Communication (Written/Presentation) - Advanced
• Strategic Agility - Intermediate
• Supplier Relationship Management - Intermediate

Experience

• Experience in Contract Management and sourcing and / or formal Procurement environment of at least 5 years.
• Experience in Contract Management and sourcing within an FMCG and / or formal Procurement environment of at least 5 years.
• Highly skilled in influencing and negotiation - Internal and External.
• Well-developed communication and presentations skills, able to influence at all levels internally and externally
• A track record in identifying and delivering sustained cost reduction opportunities
• Excellent supplier relationship management skills
• An ability to adapt and work at strategic / operational or transactional level

Professional Behaviour
Safety

• Always maintains a Safely-Can-Do attitude
• Follows rules and applies safety policies and procedures
• Speaks out and encourages positive two-way dialogue about safety
• Is mindful about workplace hazards and focuses on how to control them
• Gets involved and is proactive to help keep safety front of mind.

Commercial & Results Orientation

• Has a common-sense approach to commercial benefit and is willing to adopt the skills for negotiation.
• Identifies and recommends sourcing opportunities that will advantage the organisation and our clients in the marketplace.
• Is a key support to the Senior Managers in delivering the results and outputs of their projects.
• Is committed to attaining the highest levels of commercial success individually & for the team.

Project Management

• Delivers against multiple project plans and can prioritise multiple demands effectively with guidance.
• Manages own time with autonomy and prioritises tasks in line with the business needs to deliver on time and in full.
• Communicates effectively on delivery of projects from areas of improvement to identifying challenges to timeline
• Is willing to go the extra mile to achieve success for the business.

Openness, Trust & Security

• Always share skills and knowledge openly and willingly with the team
• Always set the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Act with integrity
• All relationships to be based on honesty, respect, fairness, and a commitment to open dialogue.

Relationship building

• Is personable and polite, professional, and courteous.
• Has a collaborative approach with the ability to build partnerships both internally and externally.
• Influences others to achieve outcomes.
• Supports others to deliver quality work.

Team Leadership & Coaching

• Support the personal and professional development of others.
• Basic people and change management skills.
• Coaches others on the job.

Planning & Organising

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to operate at pace in an entrepreneurial environment.

Client / Consumer Focus

• Builds strong relationships with internal customers.
• Understands providing excellent customer service that builds lasting business relationships is the basis of our business.

Passion for Quality

• Produces quality work paying careful attention to detail.
• Proactive approach in all work situations.

Teamwork

• Evidence of an ability to work cross-functionally with colleagues for example in operations, finance, customer service
• Promote a positive team spirit

What's on Offer
- A career opportunity within a progressive organisation
- An attractive salary package including bonus
- Manage a direct report (Associate Buyer)
- Hybrid working