Procurement Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to manage our Packaging and Indirect spend across our business divisions in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. They will be responsible for leading the purchasing activity on various categories including packaging, energy, equipment, IT, marketing, media, travel, uniforms, security, and maintenance.

They will drive the strategic sourcing agenda and lead tendering and contract negotiations for all overheads, services and goods not for resale critical for our business operations.

They will own and develop the supplier relationships, managing suppliers from end to end to support SSP brands.

Key focus will be on driving profit performance by negotiating improved and sustainable commercial terms and managing cost inflation, with supply partners which meet operational requirements utilising the best commercial and most efficient route to market.

What You'll be Doing:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across all assigned categories.
• Lead RFP/RFI/tender processes to ensure competitive supplier selection.
• Execute contract negotiations to secure best-value terms, risk mitigation, and service excellence.
• Create, document and track all supplier trading terms with Finance.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Manage and maintain contract databases.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) focus on goods and services, reducing costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Conduct comprehensive spend analysis and identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
• Track market trends, benchmark data, and anticipate supply market changes.
• Rationalisation and consolidation of terms / suppliers / products.
• Present to senior management for approval and implementation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Align procurement activity with company CSR policies and ESG strategy.
• Collaborate effectively with internal functions and engage key stakeholders to align procurement to business needs.

Key Measurables:

• Cost Based Reductions (CBR) vs targets on specific categories / suppliers
• Managing inflation basket and identifying new opportunities
• Sourcing products and services to improve quality / availability
• Delivering budget
• Maintaining and improving current supplier terms
• Contract data management and timings
• Supporting new concepts / projects
• Delivering Joint Business Plans (JBP’s) with suppliers

Key working Relationships:

• Finance
• Legal
• Operations
• Commercial
• Business Development
• HR
• Maintenance
• Health & Safety / Technical
• Supply Chain
• External - Suppliers / Distributors

To be successful in this role you will need:

Essential:

• Indirect procurement experience.
• Proven track record of cost saving initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels including senior management.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver to specific deadlines.

Desirable:

• Packaging procurement experience.
• Contract management knowledge.
• Ability to manage and lead cross-functional projects as part of a change management programme.Skilled with ERP/P2P tools and Excel; comfortable with digital procurement solutions.

SSP is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the most talented individuals from a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

#LI-HH1