We are looking for a Category Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract.
Working closely with our internal Technical, New Product Development, Planning and Finance Teams, the role will be responsible for managing the procurement and ongoing supply of ingredients to Nichols and its co-manufacturing / supply partners.
Spend is c.£32m (direct and indirect) across a broad range of categories, including sugar, fruit juices, colours, flavours and other food chemicals.
Within this role, you will have a fantastic opportunity to play a valuable role in our Vimto journey, helping us to ‘Make Life Taste Better’ for everyone!
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Assume responsibility for annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting of ingredient spend across in-house and 3rd party manufacturing.
- Ensure all ingredients are sourced responsibly in line with Nichols responsible sourcing policy and any customer / external regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement category strategies for key ingredients, and develop cross functional activation plans to ensure the envisaged opportunities are delivered and risks mitigated.
- Develop and implement best practice supplier relationship reviews and introduce appropriate mechanism for measuring and improving supplier performance.
- Work collaboratively with suppliers and co-manufacturers procurement functions to develop best practice sourcing and procurement strategies for Nichols ingredients.
- Embrace procurement systems, including e-procurement tools, to develop the reporting and analysis of procurement performance, demonstrating the value added vs the external market.
- Operate as a subject matter expert for ingredients and act as a trusted partner to key stakeholders across the business, including NPD and Commercial. Use expert knowledge of categories and the industry to identify innovation and cost reduction opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with supply partners to identify, analyse and mitigate risks associated with ingredient procurement (including surety of supply, financial, reputational and sustainability)
- Resolve any problems (internally and externally) associated with ingredient procurement in a fair and ethical way whilst protecting the long-term interests of Nichols PLC.
YOU WILL IDEALLY:
- Have a minimum of 3 years previous ingredient procurement experience gained in an FMCG environment
- Be degree qualified or working towards a professional qualification
YOU WILL ALSO‿
- Be a great team player
- Feel comfortable operating with ambiguity and uncertainty
- Have a real passion for excellence
- Work collaboratively and cross functionally with all stakeholders to deliver success
- Have strong analytical skills
A BIT ABOUT US:
We're Nichols plc - the home of Vimto, and there is no other business quite like ours!
We have been making life taste better since 1908. As well as our refreshingly different Vimto taste, our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post-mix and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products everyone loves.
At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are.
We’re well known for our famous purple drink it’s true, but it is our team of talented people that truly make us. We are actively always looking for difference and we are working hard to make sure all our practices are inclusive.
BENEFITS OF WORKING @VIMTO
No matter where you work in our business you will be entitled to a range of amazing benefits, here is a snapshot of what we can offer you:
- 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
- A generous pension scheme
- Save as you Earn Share Scheme
- Car allowance
AND LET’S NOT FORGET THE PERKS‿
We are also proud to offer:
- Your birthday off work
- 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where)
- Help yourself to our drinks and slush drinks when at one of our sites
- Staff shop with discounts on our products
Join us and #findyourdifferent
While our people tell us Nichols plc is a great place to work, we know we can do more. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are learning what this means every day.
We are striving to ensure we are building more diverse teams, we are at our best when we bring together our different life experiences, ways of thinking and individuality.
Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK.
Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.