Procurement Manager (Meat & Fish)

Job Title: Procurement Manager (Meat & Fish)

Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid) with UK and international travel

Salary: £66-70k + Car Allowance & Bonus

Reporting To: Head of Ingredients

Direct Reports: Potential 1-2

About The Role

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement? Do you have a keen eye for commercial opportunities and the ability to drive supplier performance to new heights? If so, due to continued career progression within our procurement team, we have the perfect new opportunity for you!

As a Procurement Manager (Meat & Fish), you will be responsible for optimising Group expenditure across Meat and Fish ingredient categories, enhancing company profitability, and improving working capital. You will play a key role in developing an effective supply base, managing supplier relationships, and implementing strategic category plans. Your ability to source high-quality proteins (meat and fish), negotiate value-driven contracts, and drive innovation will be crucial to the company's ongoing success.

This group role will cover all company sites and will involve UK and international travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic Category Strategies for Protein (Meat and Fish) to drive competitive advantage and added value for consumers.
• Source and implement suppliers that meet business needs, ensuring the highest standards in Assurance of Supply, Quality, Service, Cost, and Innovation.
• Manage supplier performance through structured evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and monitor budgets, targets, and forecasts to ensure cost efficiency and financial success.
• Assess market dynamics, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless procurement operations and optimal supply base performance.
• Lead and manage procurement-related projects, ensuring timely and effective execution.
• Deploy best-in-class procurement processes and techniques, ensuring all expenditure is appropriately sourced and transacted.
• Drive commercial opportunities, negotiate best-value contracts, and support budget holders in achieving cost-saving targets.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of growth and development.
  
  

Who We’re Looking For

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in purchasing Meat product's.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and procurement within the Protein (Meat and Fish) industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing a budget of at least £50 million.
• Skilled negotiator with a track record of identifying and capitalising on commercial opportunities.
• Strong experience in supplier relationship management and strategic partnerships within the Meat and Fish sector.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the business.
• Highly analytical and organised, with a strong ability to interpret data, set budgets, and manage financial targets.
• Confident decision-maker with experience in leading and delivering procurement projects.
• Solid knowledge of contract law and procurement processes.
• Comfortable presenting to stakeholders, leadership teams, and suppliers.
• Proficient MS Excel user, with the ability to analyse data effectively and create insightful reports.
• CIPS qualification (desirable but not essential).
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits package
• Opportunity to help shape the procurement strategy in a fast growing chilled food manufacturing business
• Support from industry expert Procurement team and wider Executive Leadership
• An agile, fast-growing company that actively works to progress and reward their employees
• Career development and opportunity to work across different category's
• Close-knit, friendly and supportive procurement team – regular team events, group charity initiatives and team nights out.
  
  

Benefits To Include

• Car Allowance & Bonus
• 33 Days annual leave
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount
  
  

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a Senior Buyer in a similar chilled food business looking for that next step up into Procurement Management level, or possibly working in a smaller business and looking to gain more depth and breadth of experience in a £1.1bn multi site business, working within a very experienced procurement team – we would love to hear from you.

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to [email protected] and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.

Apply now